USVI Open Registry Plan Resurfaces with Trump Briefing

Supporters of a proposed open ship registry for the U.S. Virgin Islands have revived plans initially introduced three years ago, presenting the concept to Donald Trump amid renewed efforts to strengthen U.S. maritime interests.

The proposal was recently submitted to the White House by the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics (COPE), in collaboration with the Northeast Maritime Institute—a Massachusetts-based private maritime academy previously involved in managing the Dominica registry.

“It’s time to let the cat out of the bag. America has an opportunity to engage in strategic competition for maritime trade and commerce. We can regularize trade and truly take advantage of an opportunity that has been ignored for too long,” said Eric Dawicki, president of COPE, in a social media post.

The USVI flag registry would offer an alternative to traditional open registries, potentially positioning the U.S. to gain greater influence over global maritime trade.

Trump, now back in a position of influence, has reportedly shown interest in various initiatives to strengthen the American maritime sector. These include proposals to establish a shipbuilding office within the White House and challenge China’s dominance in shipyard production.