Faroe Islands Maintain Position on Paris MoU White List Despite Ranking Drop

On July 20, 2026, the Faroe Islands were confirmed to remain on the Paris Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) White List, despite a drop in ranking from 30th to 37th out of 40 countries.

Understanding the Paris MoU White List

The Paris MoU White List is an annual ranking that assesses the performance of flag states based on the number of detentions during port State control inspections over the past three years. A higher ranking indicates better compliance with international maritime safety standards.

Factors Contributing to the Ranking Drop

Over the period from 2023 to 2025, Faroese vessels underwent 225 inspections, resulting in eight detentions. This performance led to the seven-place drop in the latest ranking. The Faroese Maritime Authority (FMA) has expressed concern over this trend and is taking steps to address the issues.

Measures to Improve Compliance

In response to the ranking decline, the FMA has increased the number of flag State inspections and is urging shipowners to implement necessary measures to reduce deficiencies and prevent future detentions. These efforts aim to ensure that the Faroe Islands maintain their position on the White List and uphold maritime safety standards.

For more information, refer to the official announcement by the Faroese Maritime Authority.