The British Virgin islands Shipping Register (BVISR) has expanded its global network by appointing Totalserve — headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus — as its sole agent in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

"Totalserve will be investing their own money into this new arrangement and using their existing network of offices," explains Bacoucar Sallah, a BVISR director.

"Our register suffered a small reduction in numbers last year but has grown this year and we are two months ahead of where we were at this time in 2009," he says. "This is due largely to superyacht registrations."

Two years ago the BVISR — which belongs to the Red Ensign group — gained Category One status allowing it to register yachts and ships of all sizes. The link up with Totalserve has been made to specifically target superyacht registrations.

"I am excited the BVI authorities have entrusted us with their shipping flag," says Totalserve's chairman, Peter Economides. "We have been selling, administrating and representing BVI companies for many years and have maintained a fully-fledged office there since 2004."

The services which Totalserve will be provide include ship and yacht registrations, transfer and ownership recordings, transfer of ownership, name changes and change of port — as well as physical searches and inspection of registry, inspection and survey certifications.


Superyacht Business / David Robinson , 25 August 2010