Shipping law, also known as maritime law, is a specialized field that governs the vast array of legal issues related to maritime activities. Our firm has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality, client-focused legal counsel across different aspects of the shipping industry including, inter alia, sale and purchase transactions, ship finance and ship registration with Malta Ship Registry as well as with International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize and Jamaica Ship Registry. Our experienced lawyers are committed to delivering innovative and effective solutions tailored to the unique needs of clients at an international level.
Dingli and Dingli Law Firm acts as the Designated Office in Malta of the Jamaican Ship Registry through Dr. Kevin F. Dingli as the duly appointed Deputy Registrar of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica and the Honorary Consul for Jamaica in Malta.
The Firm is duly authorised to assist ship-owners and financiers with the registration of vessels and yachts under the Jamaican Flag and registration of mortgages in accordance with the laws of Jamaica.
The International Merchant Marine Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) operates through a network of Designated Offices worldwide and Dingli and Dingli Law Firm acts as the Designated Office in Malta through Dr. Kevin F. Dingli as the duly appointed Deputy Registrar. Our Firm as Designated Office is empowered to process applications for registration and to issue the relevant documentation and is duly authorised to assist ship-owners and financiers with the registration of vessels and yachts under the Belize flag as well as registration of mortgages in accordance with the laws of Belize.
Belize became a member state of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1990. On behalf of the Government of Belize, IMMARBE is responsible for the range of services associated with maritime flag administration. IMMARBE is governed by the Merchant Ships (Registration) Act 2010. The Head Office of IMMARBE is based in Belize City whilst the Regional Offices in Panama and Spain assist and provide support on technical matters to the fleet of vessel owners and operators as well as to the Deputy Registrars, Recognised Organisations, Ship Owners, Managers and Operators.
IMMARBE offers an excellent standard of services and operation to clients within the maritime industry, delivering effective and efficient provision of all registry services while maintaining the quality of their fleet by ensuring that the fleet are in compliance of all maritime legislation.
Complementing the success of Malta’s ship register as one of the largest ship registers in the World is a reputable local legal framework which is globally well-trusted in the world of ship finance. Whether it involves the facilitation of funding and registration of securities for acquisitions of new vessel, structuring of intricate sale & leaseback transactions, or navigating local regulatory compliance, our Team is well-positioned to assist global financiers and maritime stakeholders in general with the registration of mortgages and security interests over Maltese registered vessels.
Ship registration is a vital procedure for ensuring the vessel's legal status, protecting maritime interests and facilitating international trade. The Maltese flag is a popular choice for shipowners worldwide due to Malta's attractive maritime legislation, robust legal framework, competitive ship registration costs as well as tax benefits to qualifying vessels through the tonnage tax system.
A vessel can be registered under the Maltese flag by either a Maltese shipping company or a foreign company which has an appointed resident agent in Malta. Dingli & Dingli Law Firm offers the service of Resident Agent in Malta. In addition, the incorporation of a Maltese shipping company is a relatively straightforward procedure and the costs involved are moderate.
Other significant benefits of ship registration under Maltese flag include:
- Maltese vessels are not subject to trading restrictions
- No restrictions on the nationality of the ship’s crew
- Compliance with international maritime conventions
- Flag Administration available for urgent matters 24/7
- Significant number of double taxation and maritime agreements inforce
