Despite challenging market conditions in the global maritime industry, Malta has kept its title as Europe’s largest ship register and the sixth largest in the world by recording a 6% increase in gross tonnage in 2016. The registration and regulation of vessels in Malta is governed under the Maltese Merchant Shipping Act.

According to the responsible shipping authority, Transport Malta, 69.9 million gross tonnes were registered under the Malta flag at the end of 2016, when compared to the 66.2 million gross tonnes registered in 2015. A total of 837 vessels were registered during the year. Malta’s register includes a wide range of vessels, including LNG carriers, bulk carriers, RORO ships, oil tankers, cruise ships and superyachts. Indeed, the registration of high-end vessels in Malta also increased in 2016; to date there are 575 superyachts listed on the Maltese maritime register.

For more information or if you have any questions on Shipping and Maritime services in Malta, please feel free to contact Dr Robert Tufigno on rtufigno@gtgadvocates.com

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to impart advice and readers are asked to seek verification of statements made before acting on them.