Taiwan has intensified inspections of vessels linked to Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, effective March 31, 2025. This decision follows multiple incidents of undersea cable damage. “Substandard” ships and specific vessel types—such as tankers, semi-submersibles, heavy transport, and crane vessels—must consult authorities before applying for direct navigation permits or business registration. Applications should be submitted 30 days in advance to avoid delays. Additionally, foreign-flagged ships with owners or carriers registered in China, Hong Kong, or Macau will undergo a national security review, regardless of flag state. Vessels from five black-listed flag states—Cameroon, Tanzania, Mongolia, Togo, and Sierra Leone—are classified as “substandard” and subjected to additional scrutiny.
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Source: Ship & Bunker
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