The Flag of Reputation, Confidence and Quality

MALTA SHIP REGISTER THE FLAG OF REPUTATION, CONFIDENCE AND QUALITY

Ivan Sammut

Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen

Over time, Malta has developed a very strong legal and regulatory platform that has enabled the Malta Flag to become a reputable international ship register. As of the end of December 2019, over 8,000 vessels totalling a gross tonnage of 82.93 million were registered with the Maltese Ship Register, translating in a growth of 63.73% in ship registration and 129% growth in gross tonnage over the past decade.

Between June 2018 and June 2019, the Malta Ship Register saw a growth of 7.29% in gross tonnage which was increased again with a further growth of 2% between June 2019 and June 2020. The total gross tonnage now registered under the Malta Flag amounts to 83.74 million and totalling 8,712 vessels. This makes the Malta Ship Register the largest Flag in Europe in terms of gross tonnage and the sixth largest worldwide.

Such growth can be attributed to the strength and reputation of the Malta Ship Register which was spurred further earlier in 2020 by ranking 17th in the Paris MoU White Flag List. There are 70 Flags on the Paris MoU Register, of which forty-one are White Flags, sixteen are Grey Flags and thirteen are Black-listed Flags.

million gross tons

Vessels by Type Registered under the Merchant Shipping Act as at 31st December 2019

The Directorate has also strengthened its presence further in the super yacht sector. During 2019, the Malta flag registered an increase of over 7.3% of super yachts over 24 metres in length over the previous year and under the Merchant Shipping Act, totaling over 806 super yachts flying the Malta flag.

>24 MTRS

Super Yachts Registered under the Merchant Shipping Act as at 31 December 2019

The White, Grey and Black (WGB) list represents the full spectrum, from quality flags to flags with a poor performance. The classification is based on the total number of inspections and detentions over a 3-year rolling period for Flags with at least 30 inspections during this period. Over the past three years, the Malta Registered fleet experienced 4,600 inspections resulting in a detention rate of less than 2%.

The Maltese Registry has also achieved good recognition in the Tokyo MOU (Asian ports) and America. This is the testimony of the high technical performance of the Maltese fleet and its commitment to safeguarding international conventions and standards regarding safety, pollution prevention and work conditions for seamen.

Such success is the result of hard work and continued excellence in the service provided by the Merchant Shipping Directorate’s staff to external stakeholders and clients. It is also thanks to the good dialogue and support afforded by industry stakeholders, including the local maritime community that is always on the forefront to further increase Malta’s visibility as major maritime jurisdiction.

To continue increasing the efficiency, competitiveness and security of the services provided to yachts and superyachts and to be aware of the particular needs of this industry, the Merchant Shipping Directorate has recently launched a number of new services. This is clear evidence of the regulatory, but at the same time proactive, attitude of the Malta Flag Administration.