The list of classification societies of ships flying the Moldovan flag has been extended to include the companies Isthmus Bureau of Shipping from Panama, Phoenix Register of Shipping from Greece and Mediterranean Shipping Register from the UK, under a Government decision. Transport Minister Anatol Salaru said the decision to add these three societies to the already 10 existing aimed to facilitate the activity of ship owners by offering them the opportunity to choose from a larger list of classification societies and select the one which is closer to the area where the ships operate. These three companies are members of the International Association of Classification Societies. A marine classification society is an organization that establishes and maintains technical standards for the construction and operation of ships.