The refinancing activity is particularly significant in the European and Asian markets where BVI companies remain popular holding vehicles and are being deployed as guarantors and security providers.

It is expected that an announcement will soon be made that will officially signal BVIs upgrade to unrestricted Category I status allowing the BVI registry to register vessels of unlimited tonnage and type.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) Government has recently announced that following a three-year review programme of technical upgrades, the BVI has successfully met the Red Ensign Group’s (REG) Category One standards which will enable them to register large cargo vessels of unlimited tonnage and mega yachts of up to 3,000 gross tons.

In the British Virgin Islands chapter of the International Comparative Legal Guide to Aviation 2021, Michael Gagie, James Kinsley and Rebecca Lee give a comprehensive overview of aviation law and regulations in the British Virgin Islands.

The British Virgin Islands Shipping Registry is now a full Category 1 Registry allowing the BVI Shipping Registry to register vessels of unlimited tonnage and type.

The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) has released an updated list of jurisdictions whose nationals and corporate entities are now eligible to register vessels under the British Virgin Islands (BVI) flag.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is currently a tax neutral Category 2 Red Ensign port of British Registry operating under the authority of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2001.

The global aviation industry is as complex as it is immense and so faces a multitude of legal challenges including the potential for contractual disputes very specific in substance to the industry.

The recently published Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2018 ("MSA") became law on 18 January 2019 ...

The BVI Government has enacted a measure which exempts nationals of the People's Republic of China from the need to apply for a visa to visit the BVI for up to six months for business or tourism purposes.

Maritime litigators are witnessing an increase in vessel arrests stemming from contractual disputes, with poorly drafted contracts identified as the primary culprit. While no contract can guarantee dispute-free operations, understanding best practices and the importance of tailored agreements can significantly minimize risks in complex maritime transactions subject to delays, sanctions, regulatory requirements, and market conditions.

The BVI Government recently enacted two measures regarding the charter boat cruising permit fees that each charter boat must pay while carrying paying passengers in the Territory.

November 2002, Tortola, British Virgin Islands – O'Neal Webster is pleased to announce that maritime attorney A. Hermia Tench is among the six new board members appointed...

A new system for registering security over aircraft and aircraft engines recently came into force in the BVI.

The British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands, commonly referred to as the "British Virgin Islands", is the world’s premier corporate domicile of choice which includes companies owning and operating ships registered in the British Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act, 2023 successfully received assent on October 16, 2023. It is now imminent that The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry will...

In a twist of misfortune, the Claimant's solicitors applied to come off the record immediately before the security for costs application and its demitting solicitors appeared with only instructions to seek an adjournment.

Registering a vessel in the British Virgin Islands with O'Neal Webster is easy as 1, 2, 3.

The British Virgin Islands has introduced a Yacht Engaged in Trade programme that allows superyacht owners to charter their vessels for up to 84 days annually in European waters while maintaining private registration status. This flexible framework addresses a longstanding industry challenge by enabling owners to switch between private and commercial use without permanent conversion or repeated registration processes, all while maintaining Red Ensign Group standards and credibility.

The British Virgin Islands ("BVI") is becoming an increasingly popular jurisdiction for aviation finance not only in the private and corporate jet sectors, but also in the commercial aircraft sector.