What is a Ship Owner?
A Ship Owner is the legal owner of a vessel, registered as such with the ship's Flag State. Ship owners may operate vessels directly, employ a ship management company, or charter the vessel out on a bareboat basis to another operator who takes full management responsibility.
Ship Owner vs Ship Manager vs Ship Operator
- Ship Owner — legal title holder of the vessel
- Ship Manager — manages the vessel on the owner's behalf (crewing, maintenance, compliance)
- Ship Operator — commercially operates the vessel (charters, cargo)
