Introduction
The Merchant Shipping (Shipping organisations – Private
Companies) Regulations (Subsidiary Legislation 234.42 of the Laws
of Malta, "the Regulations") have recently been amended
by Legal Notice 31 of 2020 published in the Government Gazette on
the 21st of February 2020.
Originally promulgated in 2004, the Regulations address the
establishment and corporate workings of what is typically referred
to as the Maltese shipping company.
Well known by players in the international shipping industry,
shipping companies incorporated under the Regulations are used for
the ownership, operation, and management of merchant vessels (both
Malta-flagged or flagged elsewhere) as well as other
maritime-related activities.