Faroese government rejects calls to amend international shipping register rules

The Faroese minister of labour has dismissed criticism of the Faroes International Ship Register (FAS), stating the current regulations will remain unchanged despite union claims of exploitation and regulatory overreach, national broadcaster KVF reports.

Labour minister Jacob Vestergaard rejected accusations from Jan Højgaard, chair of the Faroese Fishermen’s Association, that the FAS enables the replacement of local crews with lower-paid foreign workers. Vestergaard acknowledged the register permits manning in line with international agreements but denied any abuse of the system.

Højgaard had also claimed Faroese seafarers lack transparency into working conditions aboard FAS-registered vessels—a charge the minister did not address directly, instead citing existing Faroese legislation and oversight. A third allegation, that the register extends beyond Faroese jurisdiction, was likewise dismissed without elaboration.

Vestergaard affirmed the FAS framework is functioning as intended and will continue under its current terms.

The dispute follows an ongoing strike by Icelandic seafarers’ unions, which accuse shipping firm Eimskip of laying off Icelandic crews in favour of foreign labour on Faroese-flagged vessels.