“As a globally oriented economy, Switzerland relies on smooth global logistics chains and maritime trade,” the government stated. In addition, several Swiss-based sea transport and logistics companies operate around 900 ships.
However, the Swiss flag currently flies on only 14 ocean vessels, well down from the 50 ships in 2017. In that year, an embarrassing shipping fraud cost the taxpayer CHF215 million ($237 million), forcing a rethink of maritime strategy.
The government says it is “relaxing the registration requirements for merchant ships” to “create an attractive and competitive Swiss flag with a reliable regulatory framework”.
At the same time, Switzerland wants to play are larger role in developing international maritime law and research while “continuing its commitment in the areas of marine biodiversity, plastic pollution and climate protection”.
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Swiss merchant navy finds itself in deep water
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Bern prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into suspected irregularities surrounding the funding of Switzerland’s merchant navy.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Swiss youngsters illegally obtain alcohol in a quarter of test purchases
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In a quarter of all alcohol test purchases last year, young people in Switzerland were able to obtain beer, wine or spirits illegally.
Swiss storm damage more frequent and more expensive
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Storm damage has increased by 126% in the last ten years. Costs have risen by 133% in the same period, according to Helvetia Insurance.
Switzerland plans to tighten S-status permits for Ukrainians
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Swiss S-status refugee permits should only be granted to Ukrainian regions where life and limb are concretely threatened.
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Switzerland rescues its merchant fleet
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Switzerland has only 14 cargo vessels remaining, down from 50 six years ago. Bern intends to slow the disappearance of its navy with a new strategy.
Shipowner gets five years in prison for fraudulent state credit claims
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A former shipowner has been sentenced to five years in prison for having falsified claims about his fleet in order to receive more credit guarantees from the Swiss state.
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Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has announced an administrative inquiry into huge government losses related to the Swiss merchant navy.
Demobilising Swiss merchant navy to cost another CHF100 million
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Eight more ships, from the Massmariner company, are to be sold off, bringing the size of the fleet down to 20. The government has asked parliament to stump up another CHF128.7 millionExternal link to cover the outstanding debts of the ships. Following their sale, losses are expected to amount to CHF100 million. In 2017, parliament…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.