RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS (February 20, 2026) – Maritime Cook Islands (MCI), the Cook Islands Ship Registry, is issuing a formal correction to address significant factual omissions and the misleading narrative presented in a recent report by Radio New Zealand (RNZ). The report, based on selectively released documents from 2025, fails to account for the rigorous compliance actions taken by MCI and the specific legal contexts of vessel de-registrations. MCI holds the media accountable for disseminating misinformation that disregards documented facts.
“Slow action in response to New Zealand concerns and directives”
The narrative that Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) or the Government of the Cook Islands was “slow to act” is not consistent with the factual record. The Government and MCI responded promptly to concerns raised by New Zealand on each occasion they were received.
New Zealand shared lists of vessels of concern together with general descriptions of the issues identified. In several instances, the Cook Islands sought further information to support a thorough and evidence-based review of those vessels, ensuring that any action taken would be legally robust and proportionate.
It is also important to clarify that, at the time concerns were raised, the vessels referenced were not subject to formal sanctions issued by the United Nations, the United States (OFAC), the United Kingdom, or the European Union.
The Cook Islands maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sanctioned vessels, companies, or individuals. Where a vessel becomes formally designated under UN, OFAC, UK, or EU sanctions regimes, the Cook Islands immediately initiates deregistration procedures in accordance with section 17(2) of the Cook Islands Ships Registration Act. Maritime Cook Islands actively monitors UN, OFAC, UK, and EU sanctions lists on a daily basis for vessels, companies, and individuals to ensure compliance.
References to “sanctioned vessels that remained on the flag”
References suggesting that the Cook Islands maintained vessel registrations in defiance of international sanctions are factually incorrect. The report makes reference to a yacht owned by an oligarch, Eagle S, and a crude oil tanker sanctioned by the US on 21 August for links to Iranian oil.
Other than Eagle S the reporter did not specifically mention these cases when requesting responses from MCI.
- Yacht owned by an oligarch: The reporter failed to carry out due diligence and verify that the yacht, Tango, remained on the register at the request of the US Department of Justice; it was, in fact, never sanctioned. Tango was seized via US judicial warrant in 2022. Cook Islands Government and Maritime Cook Islands remain in contact with the US Department of Justice regarding Tango.
- Eagle S: Eagle S was not sanctioned at the time of the incident in December 2024, nor was she sanctioned when she was released by the Finnish authorities. Finnish authorities confirmed that the vessel’s petroleum cargo was compliant with the G7 Plus price cap. She remained on the register after she was sanctioned at the request of the Finnish authorities while they progressed their prosecution in the Helsinki District Court. The Cook Islands Ministry of Transport also appointed investigators at the time of the Finnish investigation with investigators exchanging information and the Finnish authorities issuing a press release stating –
“Our cooperation has been very good. The Cook Islands representatives and the authorities have exchanged information, and we have established a shared situational picture. While on board the ship, the representatives went through the deficiencies observed in the port state control inspection with Traficom inspectors.”
- Crude Oil Tanker sanctioned by the US on 21 August for links to Iranian oil: Ares (IMO 9243320) was listed on the OFAC sanctions list on 21 August 2025 and was immediately issued a notice of deletion in accordance with the minimum 7 days’ notice under the Cook Islands Ships Registration Act s 17(2). Deletion was effected on 28 August 2025.
MCI “removed 188 vessels over the past 3.5 years”
The report states that MCI has removed 188 vessels over the past 3.5 years but fails to provide the detail which the Cook Islands believes is important to demonstrating its commitment to continuously strengthening its compliance framework.
Of the 188 vessels removed at the direction of Maritime Cook Islands:
- 53 (28%) were a direct and immediate response to vessels being listed under UN, OFAC, UK, or EU sanctions.
- 135 (72%) were removed due to the owners choice, or enhanced monitoring and investigation of suspected illicit practices, or refusal to insure with MCI approved insurance companies. These vetting requirements were in line with IMO guidance and recommendations.
Maritime Cook Islands Vessel Verification Portal
During a meeting in August 2025 between Maritime Cook Islands, the Cook Islands Ministry of Transport, the Cook Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, and representatives of the New Zealand Sanctions Unit, it became clear that data sources relied on by NZ did not always reflect the most up-to-date registry information.
In response to this issue, Maritime Cook Islands strengthened its real-time verification capability by developing and launching a public Vessel Verification Portal. The portal went live on 12 January 2026 and provides real-time confirmation of vessels currently registered under the Cook Islands flag. It is accessible at: https://maritimecookislands.com/vessel-verification-portal/
Since its launch, the portal has recorded 229 searches from users across multiple jurisdictions worldwide. The United States welcomed the initiative as a positive step toward enhanced transparency and registry integrity.
The Cook Islands reaffirm the importance of their close cooperation with New Zealand and remain committed to ongoing, transparent engagement.
For further information, please contact:
Maritime Cook Islands, Media Department
Ph. +682 23848
Email: media@maritimecookislands.com
Website: maritimecookislands.com
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