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Ship renamed: What changes—and what stays the same

When a cruise ship is renamed, its name changes, but its identity does not automatically change. A permanent identifier helps link information from different name periods to the same ship. Ship registries, technical radio data and identification numbers are separate layers: a name change does not in itself mean that the flag, owner or other identifiers also change.

Name and IMO number

The IMO ship number consists of the prefix “IMO” and seven digits. According to the International Maritime Organization, it remains unchanged throughout the ship’s entire life, even if its name, flag, owner or ship type changes. Numbers belonging to ships that are no longer in service are not reassigned.

The IMO number is entered on ship certificates and, where appropriate, permanently affixed to the ship’s structure. The IMO includes, among others, ships of 100 gross tonnage or more, passenger ships under 100 gross tonnage, and high-speed passenger craft within the scope of its scheme; certain other categories are exempt. Ship registries and flag states are distinct characteristics alongside the ship’s permanent number.

The organization behind a ship is also not the same as the ship itself. The IMO maintains separate identification numbers for companies and registered owners; these identify a different entity from the ship number. The distinction between IMO numbers for companies and registered owners and a ship’s identifier therefore remains important even when both appear in the same documents. The ownership scheme identifies the shipowner or registered owner; its number also remains unchanged once assigned.

Radio and AIS information

In the Automatic Identification System (AIS), the ship’s name is part of the onboard equipment’s static data. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) also lists the Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI), as well as the ship’s length and breadth. These details serve different purposes: the IMO number identifies the ship permanently; the name is the designation used, and the MMSI is a separate radio identifier.

According to AMSA, AIS data must be programmed correctly for the ship to be displayed accurately. Accordingly, when a ship is renamed, the ship name stored in the AIS equipment must also match the new designation. Programming is subject to the requirements of the relevant manufacturer. According to AMSA, users can configure Class A equipment, although a password may be required to make changes. Class B equipment may not be configurable by the user; in that case, help from the manufacturer or dealer may be needed.

Photo: Alesia Belaya