MALTA - A LEADING SHIPPING NATION

Malta has a strong maritime tradition that has long attracted foreign interests. Moreover over the last years its ship register has developed swiftly, significantly increasing the gross tonnage of Maltese-registered ships and establishing Malta as one of the four largest maritime nations in terms of registered tonnage worldwide. 

 

REGISTRATION - CLEAR BENEFITS 

 

The Merchant Shipping Act, which regulates the registration and operation of vessels under the Malta flag, is based to some extent on UK law. 

 

Any type of vessel may be registered in the Maltese register of ships and fly the Malta flag provided it is wholly owned by Maltese citizens or by Maltese corporate bodies. The law also allows foreign ships to be bareboat charter registered in Malta and the bareboat charter registration of Maltese ships in foreign registers. In all cases the registration procedure is extremely simple and straightforward. 

 

Malta offers a unique and comprehensive range of maritime services and facilities including a freeport area with one of the largest throughputs in the Mediterranean, major oil bunkering facilities, and a modern cruise passenger terminal which is in the process of completion. All this further consolidates Malta’s unquestioned maritime vocation and justifies Malta’s function as an international ship register. 

 

FULL INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION 

 

The high reputation of the Malta Flag is reinforced by the solid foundation of the complementary maritime services offered by Malta. 

 

On the international plane, Malta is an active member of both the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), and it has ratified all the major maritime conventions. In addition, the Island is a member of the International Maritime Satellite Organisation (INMARSAT) and also has an increasing number of maritime co-operation agreements and double taxation treaties with various States. Maltese ships enjoy preferential treatment in a large number of ports world-wide. 

 

The Maltese authorities and the service providers are committed to offer a range of services in a professional, confidential and efficient manner. It is recognized that the Maltese flag can only enjoy its excellent reputation if it maintained as a quality flag. The Merchant Shipping Directorate's attention is therefore constantly directed towards the enhancement of its technical support services and the consolidation of a specialized flag-state inspectorate unit.