Published: 12/11/2020
The UK Ship Register (UKSR), has received a new boost to its collection of industry accolades for 2020, by receiving a ‘highly commended’ in the BCS Chartered Institute for IT Awards, presented to organisations and to project teams who have achieved exceptional results.
The digital UKSR project was a finalist in the ‘Best Public Sector IT Project’ award category for its comprehensive new online registration system that was launched in September this year.
It’s the latest in a handful of achievements following its ‘highly commended’ accolade at the Digital Technology Leaders Award last month. UKSR was also officially recognised in July (2020) as the highest performing flag under the Paris MOU Port State Control regime.
Since its launch, the new digital UKSR platform has already attracted over 5500 users who can now register new vessels on line, renew and manage existing registrations and make payments for services on line. It is available for all Parts of the Register including commercial and fishing vessel operators as well as pleasure boat owners and bareboat charters.
The new platform was developed following months of testing and in full consultation with customers. It’s designed to reduce the amount of administration and speed up all processing for owners with ships registered to the UK Flag. E-certification has been introduced –providing 24/7 access. Much of the administrative work involved in filling out and sending hard copy forms has been eliminated as the new system accepts electronic copies of documents which can be uploaded quickly, during the process.
Offline services are still available and commercial ship owners continue to be supported by their Key Account Managers.
Last year the UK Ship Register was integrated into a wider directorate delivering world class maritime services to the UK Fleet, headed by director Katy Ware. The updated logo unites all services under the Red Ensign and reflects the modern international service.