Balloons being released after the launch of the 7545 gross tonne container ship, the M/V Panjang, soon to be renamed the M/V CCL Moji which will operate in the Chinese coastal trade. The ship was registered in Jamaica. - Contributed

Jamaica's flag is flying high in China with the launch of the 7545 gross tonne container ship, the M/V Panjang.

The container ship is the first of two new vessels, built in China which will be registered in Jamaica this year. With Jamaica's comparatively small ship registry, this adds to the registry's recognition and revenue earnings.

The M/V Panjang will soon be renamed the M/V CCL Moji and will operate in the Chinese coastal trade.

Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) is responsible under the Shipping Act to administer the registration of ships and to ensure that they comply with safety, security, and marine environmental protection treaties adopted by Jamaica.

In December 2000 the MAJ, transformed the Jamaica Ship Registry into an international registry where non-nationals could own and register Jamaican ships. The registry provides much needed foreign exchange and generates additional income from company incorporation and the employment of Jamaican seafarers.

On hand to witness the launch were the Jamaican ambassador to China, His excellency Wayne McCook, Mrs Claudia Grant, deputy director general of the MAJ, and Calvin Chen, deputy registrar for China.