The Merchant Shipping Directorate has released an updated version of Merchant Shipping Notice 127, which outlines the revised procedures and requirements for evaluating the seaworthiness of vessels seeking registration under the Maltese flag, following the recent Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2025.
This new revision supersedes the previous version (Rev.1) and introduces updated guidance aligned with Article 12(a) of the Merchant Shipping Act.
General Registration Rules
- Vessels aged 20 years or more will not be accepted for registration under the Maltese flag.
- Other vessels may be considered for registration if the following conditions are met:
- The ship is classed or in the process of being classed by a Recognized Organization (RO).
- A current class survey status report is submitted, including information on valid statutory certificates, pending recommendations, exemptions, and equivalents.
- A statement from the class society confirms that the vessel can be issued all statutory certificates without any outstanding recommendations.
- Information is provided on the ISM managers who will manage the vessel, particularly regarding their performance record.
Additional Requirements by Vessel Age
- Ships aged 15 years and over:
- Must undergo a pre-registration inspection by an authorised flag State inspector.
- This may be required in dry dock.
- If inspection is allowed at the time of registration, only a non-operational provisional certificate of registry will be issued.
- Ships aged 10 to 14 years:
- Must be inspected within one month of registration.
- Shipowners may request an inspection before registration by paying the applicable fee.
- Any vessel that fails inspection after being registered may have its registration revoked immediately.
Inspection Fees
Pre-registration inspection fees (payable before inspection is authorised) are as follows:
- €500 – Vessels under 24 metres with no cargo capacity, operating under a commercial licence or permit.
- €1,500 – Vessels under 500 gross tons and specific categories outlined in the Merchant Shipping Act.
- €3,000 – Ships owned/operated by companies with five or more ships already under the Maltese flag.
- €5,000 – Ships 500 gross tons and above that don’t fall into the above categories.
Note: These fees are one-time payments. However, additional costs (e.g., travel, supplementary inspections) may apply and will be charged separately.
Final Considerations
The final decision on whether a ship meets the requirements for seaworthiness and registration lies solely with the Merchant Shipping Directorate
Contact & Further Information
Transport Malta, Malta Transport Centre, Ħal Lija LJA 2021
📞 +356 2125 0360
📧 mershipmalta.tm@transport.gov.mt
🌐 www.transport.gov.mt/ship-registration
