Legislation, Lithuania, Transport

In 2011, 20 ships were signed out, as supposed, due to economic crisis. However, the Lithuanian shipping numbers have been steadily declining for a decade, informs LETA/ELTA.

"The overall economic situation is unfavorable. Since 2008, when the recession hit the country, the shipping industry has not seen any signs of recovery," stated Director of Lithuanian Ship Owners Association Gintautas Kutka.

Out of all shipping companies, which own vessels registered in Lithuania, only DFDS Lisco, now DFDS Seaways operated profitably. Other shipping companies are stuck in difficult economic situation. Some of the companies had to sell out their ships, so as to cover their debts. Public Enterprise Lithuanian Shipping has a lot of debts. The company faces privatization. Some of the private companies are also struggling. Sailors are complaining about their salaries, which are not paid.

In 2000, Lithuanian Ship Registry boasted 249 vessels, only slightly less – 247 units in 2001; the number declined by 45 vessels in two years time, reaching 202 in 2003. A year later, it already declined down to 198, and amounted to 175 in 2005. In 2006, it totaled 169 declining by ten units both in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, the number of vessels increased by two; however, in 2010 there were 141 ship registered in the official accounts of Lithuanian shipping industry.

The situation is different in the Registry of Lithuanian Inland Water Vessels. During the year 2011, 3,362 new vessels were registered, out of which, small boats made the majority (3,291) along with pleasure and personal ships. There were also 63 yachts and eight inland water shipping boats. At the beginning of 2012, the Registry of Lithuanian Inland Water Vessels operated 67,077 vessels, out of which 66,079 were small and pleasure boats and 728 yachts. It may be the case that out of 67,000 registered boats, only 9,000 are actually used.