Advantages of Malta flag

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

• low company formation, ship registration and tonnage tax costs; progressive reduction in registration and tonnage tax costs for younger ships;
• complete tax exemption to owners, charterers and financiers of Maltese ships over 1,000 net tons; these incentives may also be extended to smaller ships;
• no restriction on the nationality of the master, officers and crew;
• no restrictions on the sale or transfer of shares of a company owning Maltese ships;
• no restrictions on the sale and mortgaging of Maltese ships;
• no trading restrictions;
• preferential treatment to Maltese ships in certain ports;
• offshore companies operating ships can enjoy all the exemptions and benefits provided for by the offshore legislation;
• ships may be registered in the name of legally constituted corporate bodies or entities irrespective of nationality, or by European Union citizens;
• twenty four hour, seven days a week service in respect of urgent matters;
• Malta is an international maritime centre providing the whole range of maritime services.