Mbabane – The Government has clarified that it has no connection to a vessel recently reported as “Eswatini-flagged” and seized in Iran.
The Ministry of Public Works and Transport stated that Eswatini currently has no operational ship registry and has not authorised any individual, company, or foreign agent to register vessels on its behalf. Any ship claiming to sail under the Eswatini flag is doing so illegally, the ministry said, warning that such acts constitute criminal activity subject to international enforcement, including Interpol and maritime authorities.
“The Kingdom has no operational ship registry, nor has government appointed, mandated, or authorised any individual, company, or foreign agent to register vessels on our behalf,” the statement read. “Any person or entity claiming to operate a ship under the Eswatini flag is acting illegally.” 
The government explained that establishing a maritime registry requires a structured legal process, including legislation passed by Parliament. No such law currently exists, meaning no official registry can issue ship registrations. Consequently, Eswatini cannot identify the owners of vessels falsely claiming its flag.
Authorities expressed concern that the country’s name is being misused in illicit activities such as fuel smuggling. The government said it is working closely with the International Maritime Organization and other global enforcement bodies to prevent criminal networks from exploiting Eswatini’s identity.
“The Kingdom of Eswatini has no connection whatsoever to the vessel reported to be seized in Iran, and we reject in the strongest terms any attempts to associate our country with maritime criminality,” said Principal Secretary Thulani Mkhaliphi.
