The registration of ships under the Maltese flag is regulated by
the Merchant Shipping Act. Furthermore Malta has adopted all the
major international maritime conventions. Besides the simple yet
highly effective legislative framework, Malta also boasts of low
operating costs, stable political factors and technical expertise
in the industry. All these factors have contributed to Malta having
the largest maritime registry in the European Union and to have
established itself as an exceptionally respected flag State.
Registration of ships and all matters ancillary thereto is the
responsibility of the Merchant Shipping Directorate (hereinafter
the 'MSD'). Registration of vessels is a serious matter for
any nation, given that once a vessel is registered under a
particular flag, the flag State enters into an international
obligation to ensure compliance of its vessels with all
international rules and standards. The flag State is under a legal
duty to:
