The Italian flag has lost its green zone classification, dropping from 17th to 26th in Lorrendraaier's 2026 global ship classification. This ranking, prepared by the Dutch company Lorrendraaier, assesses 148 ship registers based on public data from 2012 to 2025. The company's report highlights that Italy, along with Cyprus, is one of two European countries to exit the green zone this year.
Lorrendraaier's classification combines data from five sources, including the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding, which evaluate ship performance and detention rates. The ranking also considers participation in the US Coast Guard's Qualship 21 program and adherence to international maritime agreements, as well as the Corruption Perceptions Index from Transparency International. This index is used to gauge the governance environment in which a ship register operates.
The green zone classification indicates a strong performance in these areas, while the yellow and red zones signify weaker performances. Lorrendraaier's ranking is not an official assessment by maritime authorities but rather a composite index. For Italy, the decline in ranking is notable, as it had occupied 17th place in 2025 but fell to 26th in the 2026 classification, resulting in its exit from the green zone.
However, it's essential to distinguish between Italy's overall ranking and its performance in individual port state control regimes. According to the 2025 Paris MoU annual report, Italy remained on the white list, ranking 11th with 817 inspections and 14 detentions. This indicates that Italy's performance in certain areas, such as port state control, has not necessarily deteriorated.
The Italian situation is part of a complex European context, with 38 European ship registers classified by Lorrendraaier. Of these, 15 are in the green zone, 16 in the yellow zone, and seven in the red zone. Prominent EU registers include those of Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Malta. Globally, Singapore, Norway, and Denmark top the classification.
As of July 2024, the Italian flag had approximately 1230 registered ships, with a total gross tonnage of 12 million tons, placing it 17th globally at that time. The growth of the Italian-flagged fleet, particularly under foreign shipping companies, is also noteworthy.
The decline of the Italian flag in Lorrendraaier's classification highlights the need for continued attention to its maritime governance and performance. While Italy's position in the Paris MoU white list remains strong, its overall ranking suggests areas for improvement to regain its green zone status in the future.
Key points
- Italy's flag dropped from 17th to 26th in Lorrendraaier's 2026 global ship classification.
- The Italian flag lost its green zone status, along with Cyprus, in the 2026 classification.
- Italy's performance in port state control regimes, such as the Paris MoU, remains strong, but its overall ranking suggests areas for improvement.
