For businesses in the maritime industry, choosing the right maritime flag for yacht registration is an important decision both from a legal and an operational dimension. The Malta flag is the largest EU flag in terms of registered tonnage and the 06th largest merchant flag in the world. The success of the Malta Flag is based on three main principles.
- Legal security for owners, charterers and their financiers.
- International reputation built on adherence to international maritime rules and regulations, and proactive participation in international and regional maritime fora including the IMO and EMSA.
- Simplification of registration processes and procedures
Unpacking the Success of the Malta Flag
Malta operates an international shipping registry administered by the Authority for Transport in Malta through a dedicated Merchant Shipping Directorate which is in turn manned by skilled, experienced and dedicated personnel. The Maltese legal framework, particularly the Merchant Shipping Act and subsidiary legislation enacted thereunder, provide a strong legal framework intended to safeguard the legal interests of owners and their financiers.
Malta has long enjoyed a “whitelist” status on the Paris and Tokyo MOUs, and since 2022 Malta has been recognised by the US Coast Guard under the QUALSHIP 21 (Quality Shipping for the 21st Century) initiative, signifying a high-quality flag state performance. Malta’s international reputation as a quality merchant flag is a testament to its commitment to adhere to maritime safety and security, environmental protection and the protection of the rights of seafarers, among others.
The administrative framework within the Merchant Shipping Directorate is well structured to ensure that new registration of vessels in Malta, transfer of ownership of Malta-flagged vessels on the Malta Flag, and bareboat charter registration procedures are transparent, efficient and cost-effective.
Building on its decades-long success in international ship registration, Malta has over the last years also built a strong reputation in the superyacht industry. It now leads as the largest superyacht registry in the world, with over 850 yachts longer than 24 metres. This recent achievement adds to Malta’s standing as an excellent maritime hub, thanks also to its natural sheltered harbours, modern superyacht marinas and repair facilities, and a proactive approach to developing the superyacht industry.
MH Bland is a leading port agent and maritime services provider in Malta, forming part of the international MH Bland Group of Companies – a family-owned business working in the marine industry in Gibraltar since 1810 and, over the years, expanding its operations to Spain, including the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Malta amongst others. The dedicated and experienced team at MH Bland assists owners, managers and charterers of ships and yachts with new registrations in Malta, transfer of ownership on the Malta Flag, as well as bareboat charter registrations and various other ancillary services. Registration services are provided around the clock in a timely and planned manner to ensure a smooth and efficient outcome in line with our clients’ expectations.
Some of the Main Benefits of Malta Ship Registration
1. Favourable Tonnage Tax System approved by the European Commission: Ships and commercial yachts registered under the Maltese flag benefit from Malta’s competitive tonnage tax regime when certain eligibility criteria are met, providing potential financial efficiencies and tax planning opportunities for owners of Malta-flagged ships and commercial yachts.
2. Robust International Legal Framework and Operational Flexibility: Malta’s reliable legal system, built upon English Merchant Shipping legislation, offers robust protection to financiers, significantly enhancing security for maritime investments. As an international registry, it permits the registration of ships and yachts under the name of both Maltese shipping organisations and foreign entities (corporate structures recognised by Malta). Operationally, there are no restrictions on the nationality of seafarers on Malta-flagged vessels, and the applicable rules and regulations are based on well-known international maritime standards. The Commercial Yacht Code, which is now in its fifth edition (effective 01st July 2025) was developed in line with international regulations and other industry standards and caters for yachts of 15 metres in overall length and that do not carry cargo and do not carry more than 12 passengers. Over the years the Code has been proving very successful with leading IACS recognised Classification Societies, Appointed Government Surveyors, yacht managers, major yacht builders and yacht owners. The Code was developed in such a way to facilitate its use by surveyors as well as non-technical personnel involved in the day-to-day management of yachts and superyachts.
3. 24/7 Support and Electronic Certificates: A team of qualified and efficient technical officers is available around the clock to address urgent matters and provide out-of-hours registration services, ensuring continuous operational support. Following the publication of MS Notice 193, the Malta Flag began issuing electronic certificates on 1st June 2025. These electronic certificates are considered original under the Merchant Shipping Act and can therefore be used for the lawful navigation of a ship. This transition highlights the Malta Flag’s commitment to improving administrative efficiency, enhancing sustainability, and supporting the maritime industry’s shift towards digital solutions.
4. Low-Risk Flag Status: Malta meets the flag criteria for a low-risk ship, contributing to smoother port operations and reduced administrative burdens, including reduced PSC inspections.
5. Diverse Vessel Eligibility: A wide spectrum of vessels, from pleasure yachts to oil rigs, including those under construction, may be eligible for registration in Malta.
MH Bland: Your Expert Maritime Partner in Malta
MH Bland & Co Ltd began in Gibraltar as a Port Agency back in 1810, and we’ve got a long history in the maritime world. Recently, we’ve grown and expanded our network of port agencies to key spots like Gibraltar, Spain, including the Canary Islands, Morocco, and Malta. With a strong presence in Malta’s harbor and nearby maritime systems, we’re a top choice for services.
Our “One network – One Solution” concept shows our dedication to providing overarching service. We’re your go-to for vessel registration and all maritime needs, serving as a single point of contact for owners, managers, and charterers. Our Port Updates give clients the chance to track port operations easily, and our Partner Portal offers handy information. We’re available to clients around the clock thanks to our solid IT and communication setup, helping us deliver timely and cost-effective solutions.
Since opening our Port Agency in Malta, MH Bland has significantly strengthened its presence and reputation within the maritime industry. Recognising the strategic importance of the Maltese flag, it was a natural progression for us to advise and assist on Malta ship registration of all types of vessels under the Malta Flag.
Our ship registration department in Malta is perfectly positioned to assist owners and charterers with registering merchant ships, pleasure yachts, and commercial yachts. We handle these registrations seamlessly, whether as a standalone transaction or as part of a broader acquisition or disposal of maritime assets. At MH Bland, we firmly believe that time is of the essence, and we continuously strive to deliver cost-effective solutions to our valued clients. Our unwavering commitment to excellence in all our services has earned us a strong reputation among ship and yacht owners, ship managers, and charterers alike.
The strategic advantages offered by the Maltese Flag are clear, making it a trusted choice for both ship and yacht registration. We draw on our long history, wide connections, and unparalleled expertise to make sure we deliver bespoke solutions for all your maritime needs. Our in-depth knowledge of Maltese shipping regulations and ship registration practice coupled with our dedicated team ensures that vessel and yacht registration and all associated services are delivered with the utmost professionalism and efficiency.
To discuss your ship and yacht registration needs or any other ancillary service, or should you have any queries on ship or yacht registration procedures in Malta, please contact MH Bland today. Discover how our “One network – One Solution” approach can optimise your maritime operations.