Cook Islands Flag Registry Strains NZ Relations Over Tankers

The Cook Islands flag registry is causing significant diplomatic strain with New Zealand, primarily due to concerns over its rapidly expanding fleet of tankers, allegedly including vessels linked to the shadow fleet. This semi-independent territory has outsourced its maritime registry to a private firm, Maritime Cook Islands (MCI), whose explosive growth in 2024 by 140 percent, largely through older tankers, has raised alarms in Auckland regarding potential sanctions evasion. The situation has prompted New Zealand to re-evaluate its relationship and aid to the Pacific nation.

Escalating Diplomatic Tensions

New Zealand’s government has expressed deep displeasure with the Cook Islands’ vessel registration practices. This maritime dispute, coupled with the Cook Islands’ increasing ties with China, has led New Zealand to pause foreign aid and de facto suspend high-level diplomatic contacts. Wellington’s concerns intensified after reports surfaced of Cook Islands-flagged tankers exhibiting patterns consistent with sanctions evasion, prompting a robust diplomatic response.

Scrutiny Over Shadow Fleet Tankers

The controversy peaked when MCI was removed from the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) in May 2025, an international database vital for identifying sanctions-busting ships. RISC managers cited violations of terms of service, though MCI has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. While the registry claims to have removed problematic vessels by October 2025, the initial accumulation of shadow fleet vessels on its books has severely damaged its international standing and heightened scrutiny from global maritime authorities. This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of flag state responsibilities and international cooperation in curbing illicit maritime activities.