Shipping Services in Malta

CSB Group offers an integrated, one-stop solution for all your shipping needs, leveraging our expertise, exceptional service, and strong industry connections in Malta’s maritime sector. As specialists in shipping services, we are well-equipped to manage a broad range of services, including the Malta Flag registration, to meet our clients' diverse requirements.

Shipping in Malta

Malta has long been recognised as a prominent maritime nation, thanks to its prime location in the heart of the Mediterranean, its natural harbors, and an extensive array of maritime services. This strategic position has cemented Malta’s status as a leading maritime hub and a key entry port to the European Union. Malta’s maritime significance is not only attributed to its geographic location but also to the attractive, competitive incentives it offers, making the Maltese Flag one of the most sought-after worldwide. Over the years, Malta’s maritime industry has grown and solidified its global standing.

CSB Group, through its dedicated team, provides a comprehensive range of services covering all aspects of shipping, such as ship sales and purchases, bunkering, environmental advisory, and ship recycling, ensuring that our clients receive tailored, professional assistance for every aspect of their shipping needs.

Our Shipping Services

Recognised for our maritime expertise, CSB Group is one of the top authorities on Maltese ship registration and finance transactions. We offer a full suite of legal and advisory services related to all aspects of shipping, including vessel purchasing and leasing, company formation, vessel registration, document drafting, and providing legal opinions on statutory mortgages in Malta.

When purchasing a vessel, choosing the right registry is crucial. Malta’s registry ranks among the largest in the world, and this achievement is the result of continuous industry development, growth, and regulation over the years, making the Maltese Flag a symbol of quality and excellence.

Additionally, CSB Group is equipped to handle the ongoing administrative responsibilities related to the regulatory, technical, and administrative upkeep of Malta-flagged vessels and their owning companies, whether they are Maltese or international owners.

FAQs

What are the advantages of flying the Malta Flag?

Malta offers a cost-effective and business-friendly ship registration framework for individuals and corporations, regardless of nationality. EU citizens and international entities benefit from:

1. Affordable company formation costs and reduced tonnage tax for newer ships;
2. Tax and financial benefits for shipowners, charterers & financiers (applies to vessels over 1,000 net tons, with options for smaller ships);
3. No crew nationality restrictions, offering freedom to employ captains, officers & crew from any country;
4. No restrictions on selling, mortgaging, or transferring ownership of Maltese-registered ships;
5. No operational restrictions and special advantages in select ports;
6. Malta is a leading international shipping hub, with a good international reputation as a flag of choice and confidence;
7. Availability of a whole range of maritime services including very reputable and experienced legal and corporate services providing registration, management, technical and administrative support;
8. A dynamic administration with one of the largest registers in the world and very active in European Union fora and international organisations;
9. A clear strategic vision supporting business and the marine industry.

One of the principal elements of the Maltese registry is that it is the registry of a EU Member State. This guarantees that both the registry and Maltese legislation are EU compliant. Keeping to the topic of legislation, it is well known that Malta’s maritime legislation is thorough. It covers all aspects of shipping and is constantly amended and updated in order to keep with international standards and practices. It is important to note that as a member of IMO, and having ratified most of the main maritime conventions, Malta’s standards are high and well renowned.

Apart from all the benefits previously mentioned, it may be noted that the administration, apart from being extremely efficient, is serious and performs the task at hand professionally. The team is reliable and qualified and is available on a 24-hour basis. One must also keep in mind that due to Malta’s size, and because of how the system is set up, it is easy to access both decision makers and key officials. These facts, coupled with the highly active participation of Maltese stakeholders in international shipping fora, create a sterling registry for vessels to be registered under.

Who may register a ship under the Malta Flag?

Malta provides a highly advantageous ship registration framework that accommodates both individuals and corporate entities, regardless of nationality. Whether you're an EU citizen or an international business, Malta’s streamlined maritime registration process offers significant benefits.

According to Maltese law, ships can be owned and registered by individuals or companies from Malta, the EU/EEA, Switzerland, or third countries, provided the owner has legal personality as accepted by the registrar of shipping. Maltese companies are often seen as ideal vehicles for ship ownership, as they can be established by anyone, regardless of nationality, specifically for this purpose. The ship’s ownership must be clearly identifiable, and non-Maltese owners are required to appoint a Maltese resident agent to coordinate with the authorities. Once a vessel is registered under the Maltese flag, there are no restrictions on the nationality of the crew or the destinations the ship may travel to.

Are there any trading or age restrictions for registration under the Malta Flag?

Generally speaking, there are neither trading restrictions nor age restrictions. However:

• Ships of ten (10) years and over, but under fifteen (15) years, must pass an inspection by an authorised flag state inspector before or within a month of provisional registration; and
• Ships of fifteen (15) years and over are required to pass an inspection by an authorised flag state inspector prior to being provisionally registered.
• As a rule, trading ships of twenty-five (25) years and over are not registered.

Primarily, a ship would be provisionally registered for six (6) months following which permanent registration is affected. Testament to Transport Malta’s efforts to maintain the Maltese jurisdiction’s high standards and efficiency in relation to the shipping services offered, the process for registering a ship under the Maltese flag is not too complex and CSB Group would assist from start to finish to ensure a smooth process. The estimated timeframe for completion of the registration process depends highly on the time it takes the ship owner/manager/resident agent to compile all the necessary documentation needed to be submitted to Transport Malta. Once all documentation is in order and duly submitted, the process may be concluded within a few weeks.

Ship registration in Malta is financially beneficial to both individuals and commercial companies operating ships. This is due to the fact that these companies are exempt from income tax on any income generated through the operation of their ships. This exemption is subject to the permanent registration of the ship along with the annual tonnage tax having been paid and the relevant documents duly submitted to the authorities.

Should you have any questions or require any clarifications please get in touch with us on [email protected] so that we would be able to guide and advise you further.