News 2026

As of now, you can reach the German flag service team at the new phone number:

040 2091 6373

Click here for more information about our 24/7 service.

The following new forms are now available:

• Sammelantrag auf Ausbildungsplatzförderung (2027)
  (single application for financial support of training places of contracts closed in 2027, in German only)
• Ergänzender Einzelantrag (OA und SM 2026) 
  (supplementary individual application OA and SM of contracts closed in 2026, in German only)
• Verwendungsnachweis Ausbildungsplatzkosten (2025) 
  (account of training costs 2025)

These forms are the previously announced online applications as part of "Onlinezugangsgesetzes (OZG)". You can complete and submit these forms digitally; you can also submit documents digitally.

To access the digital system, you need an "ELSTER Unternehmenskonto" (https://www.elster.de/eportal/infoseite/nezo). You can and must set this up if you wish to use the digital application. Alternatively, you may continue to use the paper version.

You can find the forms under Ausbildungsplätze.

For many ships, the new insurance year is starting.

Remember to apply for necessary liability certificates for the new term.

You are welcome to send applications, authorizations, if applicable, the Blue Cards and other documents to nwrc@bsh.de already.

Further information and application/authorization forms are available in our section on "Liability".

On January 27 and 28, 2026, the Paris MoU Advisory Board (MAB) held its 163rd meeting in Hamburg.

The Head of the German Port State Control Department, Mike Meklenburg, welcomed representatives from the Federal Ministry of Transport, the Paris MoU Secretariat, the European Commission, EMSA, as well as delegations from Ireland, Canada, France, and the United Kingdom to the premises of the Ship Safety Division of BG Verkehr.

The MAB advises the Port State Control Committee (PSCC) on policy matters, provides guidance to the Paris MoU task forces, and supports the work of the Paris MoU Secretariat. MAB members are senior officials or their deputies responsible for Port State Control policy matters.

The MAB meets several times a year, with at least one meeting held in person.

Discussions focused on preparations for the 59th session of the Paris MoU Port State Control Committee which will take place from May 18 to May 22, 2026, in Glasgow.