UAE prohibits ships from double banking without permission

The UAE Federal Maritime Administration (FMA) represented by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has issued a circular informing about the prohibition of ships double banking in UAE waters without a permit. Regarding Ministerial Resolution No. 14 of 2018 and Ministerial Resolution No. 102 of 2017, it is imperative to emphasize the strict prohibition of double banking for all types of vessels within UAE waters, including the exclusive economic zones. Permission must be obtained from local port authorities or the Federal Maritime Administration (FMA) before engaging in such practices.

Foreign-flagged vessels found engaging in double banking without the requisite permission will face expulsion and a ban from UAE waters and ports. For UAE-flagged vessels, their navigation licenses may be revoked and/or removed from the UAE Registry.

Legal actions will be taken against both the ship's master and the ship's owner or manager if they violate this regulation. These stipulations also extend to ships unlawfully anchored in non-designated anchorage areas without obtaining approvals from the relevant authorities.

Additionally, ships anchoring or transiting through UAE waters without operational automatic identification systems (AIS) will be subject to these measures. In the case of vessels with defective AIS, the ship's master should promptly notify the nearest port authority or the FMA.

It is important to note that the actions outlined in this circular do not preclude the Maritime Administration or other concerned authorities from considering further legal actions in accordance with prevailing laws and decisions.

This circular was issued on 5 September 2023.