The Malta Ship Registry has further strengthened its service offering through the introduction of Merchant Shipping Notice 206, establishing a more streamlined and flexible framework for the authentication of foreign documents. Effective from 13 May 2026, this development reinforces Malta’s standing as a modern, client-oriented maritime jurisdiction, while continuing to uphold strong standards of verification and accountability.

Transport Malta's Merchant Shipping Directorate has introduced a simplified alternative procedure for authenticating foreign documents submitted to the Malta Ship Registry, allowing shipping service professionals to submit electronic Declarations of Authenticity instead of requiring traditional Apostille or consular legalisation.

Linked to the long and eventful history of the small island state, the achievements of Malta's high flying maritime industry remain invisible to the public.

Transport Malta has introduced draft Pleasure Yacht Safety Guidelines that establish a voluntary framework enabling non-commercial yachts under the Malta flag to obtain formal safety certification for the first time.

The Shipping team at GANADO is carefully studying the Commission's decision since this will form the basis of new legislation that we expect to be passed later this year.

The Merchant Shipping Directorate has issued a notice to inform all stakeholders of the publication of the Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 (Legal Notice 26 of 2025), which was issued on 04th of February 2025.

The procedure relating to the filing of International Safety Management (ISM) declaration forms has been recently reviewed by the Merchant shipping Directorate.

The local organisers of the RC44 Valletta Cup estimate that the yachting race will leave €1.6 million in the local economy, up from their original estimate of €1.2 million.

The European Regulation on Ship Recycling (No 1257/2013) which will reach its full effect by 31st December 2018 with respect to new vessels, imposes an obligation on Malta flagged vessels to conduct dismantling operations ...

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has wreaked havoc on the global shipping industry, which could undoubtedly lead to yet another industry-wide crisis in a somewhat already...

The Government of Malta has signed a Host Country Agreement with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish a new UNODC office in Malta.

As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult.

The Government of Malta and Transport Malta, in addition to measures previously adopted to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the shipping industry...

Malta has long established itself as one of the world's leading maritime jurisdictions, with a ship and yacht register that attracts owners and operators globally.

The Maltese Shipping Industry is working towards reducing its impact on the environment. This is taking place both on shore and on Maltese flagged vessels wherever they may be sailing.

Malta's aviation finance sector is poised for significant expansion as the MFSA introduces a groundbreaking consultation on new rules for aircraft financial leasing companies. The proposed Article 3B framework offers an alternative pathway for companies to enter the aircraft leasing market without full licensing requirements, while maintaining robust regulatory oversight through a notification-based system with ongoing compliance obligations.

WH Partners has submitted formal feedback to the Malta Financial Services Authority on its consultation document proposing new Rules for Notified Aircraft Financial Leasing Companies and Related Due Diligence Service Providers. The submission addresses key areas including eligibility thresholds, scope and interaction with other licences, AML obligations, and removal from the list and restructurings.

On 29 July 2013, the VAT Department published guidelines in relation to the Malta VAT treatment of short-term yacht charters starting in Malta.

Throughout the lease period, VAT at the rate of 18% is chargeable on the portion of the rental amount which is attributable to effective use and enjoyment in EU territorial waters.

Following years of ambiguity and fractious negotiations, it was finally announced that on a Christmas Eve like no other, the European Commission and the United Kingdom (UK) ...