The Malta Flag is today a flag of confidence, a flag of choice and a European flag. Its good standing is evidenced by various leading ship owning and ship management companies which register their vessels under the Malta Flag, and by influential international banks and financiers who often recommend the Maltese Register.

Malta, from its strategic and central position on the major sea route in the Mediterranean, offers a wide range of international maritime facilities and services including an active and reputable International Ship Register which currently ranks as one of the eighth largest registers in the world.

The Malta maritime flag is the flag of a well geared and dynamic maritime centre whose ship registry completes the wide range of maritime services that Maritime Malta can offer to the international maritime and shipping community.

Malta, from its strategic and central position on the major sea route in the Mediterranean, offers a wide range of international maritime facilities and services including an active and reputable International Ship Register which currently ranks as one of the eighth largest registers in the world.

All types of vessels, trading or under construction, as well as Yachts and Cruise Liners may be registered under the Valletta Flag provided that they are wholly owned by Maltese citizens or Maltese shipping companies. Ships owned by an "International Owner" may also be registered provided that the foreign company appoints a "Resident Agent" in Malta. Malta shipping company formation is a straightforward process with no restrictions on the nationality of shareholders and directors.

The Malta Flag does not impose restrictions on the nationality of vessels' officers and crew members nor on the sale or transfer of shares of Maltese Ship Owning Companies.

Ships of 20 years and over but under 25 years must pass an inspection by an authorised flag state inspector before or within one month from provisional registration. Ships 25 years or over must pass a flag state inspection prior to being provisionally registered.

Ships of 15 years and over but under 20 years are required to pass an inspection by an authorised flag state inspector before or within one month of provisional registration.

Browsing through this site will give access to a wide range of information including:

- Ship and Yacht Registration under the Malta Flag
- Advantages of Ship and Bareboat Charter Registration in Malta
- Malta Shipping company formation
- Procedures for Ship and Yacht Registration under Malta Flag
- Classification Societies recognised by the Malta Ship Registry
- Minimum Safe manning requirements as stipulated in the Merchant shipping Act.