Switzerland: 75 Years of the Swiss Merchant Fleet

Switzerland as a seafaring country maybe sounds strange, but this landlocked country is on the high seas. Swiss merchant ships are operated not by the Swiss Confederation, but by private shipowners. They remain under the protection of Switzerland, whose flag they fly. In return, the government is entitled to commandeer the ships at times of crisis or emergency to ensure the country’s economic needs are met. Thus the flag is motivated not by competition or prestige; rather, Switzerland owes its flag solely to the desire to ensure economic supplies for the nation at times of crisis or in emergencies.

Stamp:
75 Years of the Swiss Merchant Fleet "Lausanne" (from a set of four) - Issued: 03-03-2016

Stamp:
left: 75 Years of the Swiss Merchant Fleet "Lavaux" (from a set of four) - Issued: 03-03-2016
right: 75 Years of the Swiss Merchant Fleet "Lugano" (from a set of four) - Issued: 03-03-2016

UPDATE: 07-07-2016

Today I received the the missing stamp from this series on a cover.

Stamp:
75 Years of the Swiss Merchant Fleet "Stockhorn" (from a set of four) - Issued: 03-03-2016


Many thanks to Hansjürg for these great covers!