In January 2025, Act No. I of 2025 (the ‘Act’) was enacted by the Parliament of Malta, introducing comprehensive amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta). These reforms aim to modernize Malta’s maritime sector, align national legislation with international standards, enhance the competitiveness of the Malta Ship Register and strengthen protections for seafarers.

Modernization of Ship Registration and Financial Procedures
The amendments streamline ship registration processes and financial transactions, making the Malta Ship Register more efficient and attractive to international shipowners. Specific changes include:

Simplification of Registration Procedures: The Act introduces measures to expedite vessel registration by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and processing times. This includes the digitalization of registration processes and the introduction of electronic documentation, facilitating faster and more secure transactions.

Enhanced Financial Transactions: Provisions have been updated to allow for more flexible financing options for shipowners, including the recognition of international financial instruments and the facilitation of cross-border financing arrangements. These changes aim to make Malta a more attractive jurisdiction for maritime financing.

Changes Related to Registered Mortgages
The January 2025 amendments introduce significant updates concerning registered mortgages, particularly in terms of ship financing and security interests. These changes strengthen Malta’s position as a leading ship financing jurisdiction by making the registration and enforcement of mortgages more streamlined and secure.

Streamlined Mortgage Registration Process: The amendments simplify procedures for registering a mortgage on a vessel in the Malta Ship Register. This includes the introduction of electronic registration and the ability to register multiple mortgages on the same vessel, providing more flexibility for financiers and shipowners.

Priority of Mortgages: The Act clarifies priority rules for multiple mortgages on the same vessel, introducing a system that ensures transparency and certainty regarding mortgage ranking.

Cross-Border Recognition of Mortgages: A significant update facilitates the recognition of registered mortgages in other jurisdictions, making it easier for foreign financiers to take security over Maltese-registered vessels and provides more legal certainty regarding the enforcement of mortgages.

Financial Charter Instruments
The amendments introduce new provisions for financial charter instruments, crucial for shipowners engaged in leasing or charter agreements to finance vessels.

Introduction of Financial Leases and Charters: The Act now recognizes financial leases and charter agreements as valid financial instruments, allowing shipowners and financiers to structure agreements with greater flexibility in asset ownership and tax treatment.

Security Interests in Charter Agreements: The amendments specify the creation of security interests under financial charter agreements, enabling financiers to take security over the charter rights, in addition to the vessel itself. This expands financing options and enables more sophisticated financing arrangements.

Encumbrances and Other Liens
The amendments clarify encumbrances on vessels and other types of liens that may arise in maritime operations. These provisions enhance Malta’s competitiveness as a jurisdiction for international shipping and financing by providing legal certainty regarding encumbrances.

Registration of Encumbrances: The amendments clarify the legal process for registering encumbrances, including liens and charges, against vessels. This allows shipowners and creditors to register claims on a vessel’s title, ensuring recognition by the Malta Ship Register.

Types of Encumbrances Recognized: The Act explicitly recognizes various types of encumbrances, including those related to unpaid debts or operational costs such as unpaid crew wages, fuel costs, and vessel maintenance. Some encumbrances, such as unpaid wages, may take precedence over other claims, offering greater protection to seafarers and service providers.

Removal of Encumbrances: New Provisions allow for the removal of encumbrances from a vessel’s registration, including procedures for clearing liens or other encumbrances that might arise from operational disputes or creditor claims, making the vessel more attractive for subsequent financing or transfer.

Other Amendments
Tax Benefits for Shipowners and Financiers: The reforms provide clearer tax guidelines for ship financing arrangements, including tax benefits for registered mortgages and financial lease agreements, enhancing Malta’s competitiveness as a maritime finance hub.

Simplified Transfer of Ownership and Mortgages: New provisions streamline the transfer of vessel ownership and mortgage rights, ensuring vessels can be sold or transferred with minimal delays and without complications related to encumbrances.

Conclusion
The January 2025 amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act introduce significant improvements to Malta’s maritime framework, particularly in the areas of registered mortgages, financial charter instruments, and encumbrances. These changes enhance the flexibility, transparency, and legal certainty for shipowners and financiers, solidifying Malta’s position as a competitive maritime jurisdiction.

For those navigating these new provisions, Vaia Legal provides expert legal guidance on ship financing, registration, and regulatory compliance. Our team ensures smooth and efficient transactions, tailored to your specific maritime needs.