Malta

About the Flag

Building on its long and varied maritime tradition, Malta, a member of the European Union, has today established itself as one of the leading maritime hubs and service centres in the Mediterranean region. Placed to become an international centre of excellence in the maritime industry, the Island offers a whole range of international maritime services and facilities as part of a comprehensive package for the maritime industry.

Maritime Malta has also developed a very strong legal and regulatory platform that has enabled the Malta flag to become a reputable international ship register which is now established as one of the largest in the world.

Vessel registration under the Malta flag and the operation of Maltese ships is regulated by the Merchant Shipping Act of 1973, a law based in the main on United Kingdom legislation but subsequently revised and amended in 1986, 1988, 1990, 2000 and 2010. The main legislation is supplemented by a comprehensive set of rules and regulations.

The Malta Flag formally came into existence as an ‘open’ register in 1973 with the promulgation of the Merchant Shipping Act, Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta. It has experienced significant and constant growth since inception and has now established itself amongst the largest registries in the world in terms of tonnage. The phasing out of single hull tankers has significantly lowered the average age of the fleet and Malta’s accession to the European Union in 2004 has gone a long way in adding its attraction to operators and charterers alike. The administration of the Malta Registry of Shipping and Seamen is now, more than ever, giving increasing and fundamental importance to safety of life at sea and the prevention of pollution as well as compliance with international maritime conventions.

The Malta Registry of Shipping and Seamen (the “Registry”) is administered by the Merchant Shipping Directorate of the Authority for Transport in Malta.

The Merchant Shipping Act provides that the homeport of every Maltese vessel shall be VALLETTA. Furthermore, the flag set out hereunder is the proper maritime flag for all Maltese vessels. It consists of a red field bordered in white, with a Maltese Cross at its centre.

It is important that the owners and masters of Malta Flag vessels ensure that the homeport VALLETTA is marked on and the national colours hoisted on board Maltese vessels.

Advantages to Shipowners using Malta Flag

·         European Flag with a long maritime tradition.

·         24 hour, 7 days a week service

·         Reputable and internationally recognised ship Register.

·         No exchange control authorisations are required for the purpose of incorporating or operating a shipping company insofar as 80% or more of the shares are owned by non-residents; this also applies to the taking of security for loans or other facilities over Maltese-registered vessels owned by companies registered locally;

·         Ships may be registered in the name of legally constituted corporate bodies or entities irrespective of nationality, or by a European Union citizen.

·         On the White List of the Paris MoU and Tokyo MoU and on the Low Risk Ship List of the Paris MoU.

·         No nationality restrictions for master, officers and crew.

·         No trading restrictions and preferential treatment to Maltese ships in certain ports.

·         No hidden costs and no inspection fees.

·         Customer service oriented approach that values long term customer relationships.

·         Well-organised and highly responsive flag Administration with one of the largest registers in the world and very active in European Union fora and international organisations.

·         Maltese requirements well known to main shipyards and main classification societies.

·         Marriages can be officiated onboard Maltese ships.

·         A clear strategic political vision supporting business and the maritime industry.

·         Availability of a whole range of maritime services including very reputable and experienced legal and corporate services supporting registration, management and administration.

·         Backed up by a professional shipping registry that values long term customer relationships.