“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”.
More
More
Swiss merchant navy finds itself in deep water
This content was published on
Bern prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into suspected irregularities surrounding the funding of Switzerland’s merchant navy.
Swiss football boss wants crackdown on individual hooligans
This content was published on
The head of the Swiss Football League says he prefers a harsher approach to individual hooligans rather than collective punishment measures affecting all fans.
Amherd: Council of Europe is ‘as urgently needed as ever’
This content was published on
The Swiss government emphasised on Sunday the vital role of the Strasbourg-based Council of Europe, 75 years after it was founded.
Swiss minister: Italy will back Switzerland in EU talks
This content was published on
Bern can count on the backing of Italy as it re-enters talks with the European Union on future relations, Viola Amherd says.
Student protestors at University of Lausanne continue pro-Palestine sit-in
This content was published on
Since Thursday, a hall on campus has been occupied by students calling for a boycott of Israeli academic institutions and a ceasefire in Gaza.
This content was published on
Swiss public broadcasters RTS and SRF are drastically reducing their communications via the social network X (formerly Twitter).
Israel: president of Swiss universities rejects academic boycott
This content was published on
Luciana Vaccaro, president of Swissuniversities, the umbrella group of Swiss universities, is not in favour of an academic boycott of Israeli universities.
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.
Read more
More
Switzerland rescues its merchant fleet
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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.
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
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…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
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.