Malta’s ship register has once again been confirmed as one of the world’s most reliable and internationally respected flags, following the publication of the 2025–2026 Flag State Performance Table by the International Chamber of Shipping.

The ICS table is widely used within the maritime industry as a practical reference for shipowners assessing the regulatory credibility and operational efficiency of flag administrations. It draws on objective data from port state control regimes, international treaty ratification, IMO and ILO reporting, and fleet quality indicators.

Malta registers positive indicators across all the core categories assessed by ICS.

These include presence on both the Paris and Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding White Lists, qualification under the US Coast Guard’s Qualship 21 programme, full ratification of key international maritime conventions, strong oversight of Recognized Organizations, low average fleet age, and full compliance with reporting and audit obligations under the IMO and ILO frameworks.

For international shipowners, financiers, and operators, these indicators are not merely symbolic as they directly influence:

• Likelihood of port state control inspections and detentions
• Insurance perception and risk profiling
• Chartering attractiveness
• Access to financing and due diligence outcomes
• Long-term fleet structuring decisions

The ICS notes that ships flying flags outside PSC white lists are statistically more likely to be targeted for inspections. Malta’s continued performance in this area therefore translates into tangible operational efficiencies and reduced compliance friction for vessels under its registry.

The report also highlights that Malta has an ICS member national shipowners association, reflecting the flag’s active participation in global maritime governance and policy dialogue.

While the ICS table is not a ranking, a concentration of positive performance indicators is considered a strong sign that a flag state demonstrates the institutional substance and regulatory maturity required by modern international shipping.