Supporting the Shipping industry

The government decision is a further part of a series of government decisions being made since 1997 to fund Israeli shipping fleets in order to strengthen the Israeli shipping industry. The decision grants a budget of NIS 24 million per year for the years 2014-2017 for ships employing 4-8 Israeli seamen in private shipping companies transporting oil and its products and carbon

This decision has been fully implemented. The directives were provided by the Supervisor of Banks, and the commissions were set by the Governor of the Central Bank of Israel. By the end of 2016, all banks are required to offer their customers debit cards. To date, only Bank HaPoalim offers this option.

The government decision is being implemented. During the years 2014-2015, funds have been transferred to the companies, despite the fact that the regulation for employment of Israeli seamen expired in 2010. Moreover, the funding remained as it was in 1997, even though the number of ships grew from 24 to 36.