A most convenient flag--the basis for the expansion of the Singapore fleet, 1969-82

Singapore's brief stint as a fully-fledged Flag of Convenience from the late 1960s to the late 1970s facilitated the strong expansion of the country's merchant marine. This article outlines the basis for the introduction of Flag of Convenience-facilities in Singapore, analyses the transformation of the fleet in the period 1969-82 and examines the tightening of the registration requirements from the late 1970s onwards. Certain characteristics of the Singapore fleet and the pragmatism of the authorities in establishing and disbanding the open registry distinguish the Singapore registry from some of the other important Flags of Convenience.