Country

Denmark,

With a young fleet of 7 years on average, controlling 50m dwt

Italy,

in 2003, almost 60% of its fleet < 10 years & in 2005 adopted the “tonnage tax system1⁸”

Cyprus,

contributed to country’s GDP up to 4% or ?50m p.a., and 2% of country’s manpower works for shipping at shore

Germany,

invested almost ?b in newbuildings & a total of almost ?2b in 2005. It adopted the tonnage tax, & foreign crews, & tried a better nautical education; its fleet is supported by KG’s finance

Belgium,

registered ships of 9 years on average

UK,

with an average age of 10 years & a quite impressive increase, where its tax system revised

Latvia,

provided the better tax environment of all others

France,

established the “International French Register”—IFR, applying the French legislation for safety & crewing. Foreign crews are allowed, based on terms ruling in their countries, & ILO. A 35% of crew must be subjects of EU-25 or otherwise 25%