Malta’s old maritime tradition offers the international shipping community a reputable open ship register that is the largest in Europe and the seventh largest register in the world. The Malta Flag is a flag of confidence and is on the Paris MOU “white” list. Owners and operators have come to recognize the island as a secure and cost–efficient centre for the registration and management of vessels.

Ship registration in Malta is regulated by the Merchant Shipping Act, 1973 (the “Act”) as amended. The Act harmonizes Maltese legislation with the provisions of international maritime conventions including among others, IMMARSAT, LL66/88, the STCW ’95, ISM Code, the ILO Convention and applicable EU legislation.

All types of vessels, from pleasure yachts to oil rigs, may be registered under the Malta flag, irrespective of their owner’s nationality. A Maltese ship may also be bareboat charter registered under another flag.

Ship Registration 

1.     As a rule, trading ships of 25 years and over are not registered.

2.     Merchant ships of 20 years and over but less than 25 years may be registered subject to a pre-registration inspection.

3.     Merchant ships of 15 years and over but less than 20 years may be registered, but must be presented to the Flag State for an inspection within one month from registration under Malta Flag. 

Registration of ships under the Maltese flag offers the following main advantages:

• E.U. Flag;
• No costs for annual Flag State Inspections;
• Low company formation and ship registration costs;
• No restrictions on the nationality of the ship owner;
• No restrictions on the nationality of the master, officers and crew;
• No trading restrictions;
• An effective mortgage system.