Danish flag tops safety list

It is extremely rare for ships under the Danish flag to encounter issues when visited by port state control inspectors worldwide.

Thus, the Danish flag is once again ranked number one on a recently published list by the Paris MoU Port State Control Regime, which conducts over 17,000 port state controls annually.

These inspections can cover everything from lifeboats to escape routes, seafarers' certifications, and the ship's construction.

It is in these crucial areas that ships under the Danish flag excel.

"It demonstrates that we have shipping companies that take onboard safety very seriously. It underscores a sense of responsibility that has always characterized Danish shipping and helps elevate the Danish flag's reputation worldwide," says Anne H. Steffensen, CEO of Danish Shipping.

During inspections, the results are compared to the IMO's regulatory framework, and if there are too many errors and deficiencies, the ship may, in the worst-case scenario, be detained.

Port state control applies a risk-based approach, where flag states with frequent errors are inspected more frequently than others. Therefore, there is an added advantage to having strong safety parameters onboard.

"When the Danish flag is known as a quality flag, it means that we are less likely to be selected for inspections, and when inspections do occur, they often proceed more swiftly. Danish shipping companies have gained this advantage by taking safety seriously, from onboard drills to crew training," says Anne H. Steffensen.

The Danish Maritime Authority, which conducts port state control inspections on foreign-flagged ships in Denmark, also shares credit for the Danish flag's top ranking.

"There is excellent communication between the Danish Maritime Authority and the shipping companies on how to ensure compliance with the many requirements set by the IMO. They are adept at providing guidance on any uncertainties," says Anne H. Steffensen.