The Gambia Maritime Administration (GMA) posteda press release dated 10thNov 2025 stating that they have seventy-two vessels from the Gambian ship register a crackdown to safeguard the integrity of the national flag and prevent its exploitation by shadow-fleet operators.

Gambian officials said the discovery underscores a longstanding global challenge: the use of forged documentation by ships operating in opaque “shadow fleets,” many of which are linked to sanctions evasion, illicit oil transfers, or other high-risk maritime activity.

The GMA emphasised that all registration and statutory certificates bearing its name must be verified directly with the Administration. Also they advised that vessel’s owners shall communicate directly with the flag and not to rely on intermediaries who may issue falsified documents for financial gain.

The press release also states that Port State Control (PSC) authorities worldwide to contact the Administration for verification of vessel certificates.

As part of broader reforms, the GMA has instituted a moratorium on new ship registrations under The Gambia’s flag until December 2025.