Cayman Islands Ranked No. 1 on Paris MoU White List

The Cayman Islands Shipping Registry (Cayman Registry), a division of the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands, has secured the number one position on the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) White List, achieving the highest ranking among all flag administrations evaluated under the 2025 performance assessment.

The ranking is based on the performance of vessels during Port State Control inspections conducted between 2023 and 2025. During that period, Cayman Islands-flagged vessels underwent 299 inspections within the Paris MoU region and recorded zero detentions. This accomplishment led to an Excess Factor of -1.95, securing the Cayman Islands with the highest overall ranking among all flag administrations assessed.

The Paris MoU White List is widely recognised as one of the maritime industry's most respected measures of flag state performance, assessing compliance with international conventions relating to maritime safety, environmental protection, seafarer welfare and operational standards.

The Cayman Registry's consistently strong performance under the Paris MoU provides assurance to shipowners, charterers, financiers, insurers and maritime stakeholders that vessels flying the Cayman Islands flag are operated and maintained to the highest international standards. This latest achievement marks the second time the Cayman Islands have secured the number one position on the Paris MOU White List, having previously achieved the top ranking in 2017.

Securing the top position on the Paris MoU White List reflects the strength of the Cayman Islands flag and collective commitment of vessel owners, managers, recognized organisations, seafarers and the Cayman Registry’s personnel to maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational excellence. This achievement reaffirms the Cayman Registry's position as one of the world's leading flag administrations and a global benchmark for maritime quality and regulatory performance.

This performance reflects the Cayman Registry's proactive approach to flag state oversight, close engagement with vessel owners, managers and recognized organisations and continued focus on supporting compliance before deficiencies arise.

Premier and Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, Hon. Andre Ebanks commented on the achievement: "Being ranked number one on the Paris MoU White List is a significant achievement for the Cayman Islands. It reflects our commitment to international standards, strengthens our reputation as a trusted global jurisdiction, and demonstrates the value of good governance, collaboration and regulatory excellence."

In addition to its leading Paris MoU ranking, the Cayman Islands continues to maintain an outstanding reputation across major international Port State Control regimes, consistently earning recognition as a low-risk flag administration. This distinction delivers tangible benefits to shipowners, including fewer inspections, reduced operational disruption, and enhanced confidence among charterers, financiers, insurers and other industry stakeholders.

Further commenting on the achievement, A. Joel Walton, CEO of Cayman Registry, said: “Attaining the number one position on the Paris MoU White List is an exceptional achievement and a testament to our dedication, expertise and professionalism. I would like to thank our team, as well as the owners, managers and seafarers who operate vessels under the Cayman Islands flag. This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest standards of safety, quality and service to the international maritime community."

The Cayman Registry currently administers a fleet of more than 2,700 vessels and is internationally recognised for excellence across both the yachting and commercial shipping sectors. Through its global network of offices and representatives in key maritime centres, the Cayman Registry continues to provide responsive, high-quality services to clients worldwide.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the Cayman Registry remains committed to supporting its clients through high-quality service, robust regulatory oversight,  innovation andsustainability while ensuring that the Cayman Islands flag continues to be recognised as a symbol of quality, safety and trust throughout the global maritime industry.