Europe’s Largest Ship Registry

Malta’s strategic Mediterranean position and forward-thinking regulatory environment have made it an attractive option for discerning owners, leading to its emergence as the largest ship registry in Europe.

By savvily capitalising on its sovereignty over its seas, and offering innovative corporate structures, robust protection for financiers and tax mitigation opportunities, the country has become a domicile of choice for many of the world’s most valuable assets.

Today, over 9,500 ships fly the Maltese flag, making its ship registry the largest in Europe and the sixth largest globally by gross tonnage. More than 1,000 of these vessels are over 24m in length. Since 2020, Malta has also been crowned the number one jurisdiction in the world for superyachts. This should come as no surprise: the island nation boasts a rich maritime history that has seamlessly transitioned into a modern, efficient registry system.

The Maltese flag is globally respected and recognised for quality and safety, while the registration process is streamlined, ensuring minimal bureaucratic hurdles and allowing owners to focus on using their vessels for enjoyment or profit.

Beyond the allure of the Mediterranean, Malta’s membership in the European Union provides significant advantages. Malta adheres to the highest maritime standards, offering owners peace of mind and ensuring seamless operations within the bloc.

The EU’s expansive economic zone also presents lucrative opportunities for charter operations, expanding potential revenue streams for vessel owners. Owners can benefit from reduced taxes on yacht management, crew employment and other maritime-related activities. Additionally, Malta’s tonnage tax regime provides a stable and predictable tax environment for vessel owners, fostering long-term investment. The country’s commitment to yachting is evident in its world-class marinas and wide array of support services, making Malta a respected major player in this sector.

Reputation is important in any sector, and the maritime sector is no exception. Malta’s status as a global player in mobile asset registration entails responsibilities that the country’s regulatory bodies embrace wholeheartedly, with continuous efforts to provide tangible benefits to registrants. These frameworks have evolved over the years and today provide for innovative corporate set-ups that allow for exceptional tax mitigation opportunities and a high degree of flexibility, while complying with the highest standards of European and global maritime and aviation authorities – ensuring that the Maltese flag is welcome and trusted in all ports.

Other attractive features include cost-effective fee structures, responsive and experienced regulators, and the ready availability of ancillary services, making Malta a jurisdiction of choice for those seeking to domicile their most valuable assets with peace of mind.