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Register in world's top 20

The Isle of Man's Ship Registry is continuing to expand, despite the effects of the global economic downturn.

In 2009 it grew by 1.03 million gross registered tons, or over ten per cent, to a new high of 10.76 million at the end of the year.

The growth was driven primarily through the introduction of new clients from the Far East who put some of their supertankers on the register, following a targeted marketing drive by the DTI's Ship Registry team in the region.

The register is now listed among the top 20 in the world in terms of registered tonnage, while operating in an extremely competitive environment of over 130 international ship registries.

In addition to the merchant ship growth, the Isle of Man added another 17 commercially operated super yachts to the register during the year.

The majority of these are managed locally, providing significant work for local specialists.

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