Latest Updates
Cross‑Border Mergers: Malta’s Strategic Legal & Tax Advantage
Cross-border mergers are key tools for businesses seeking growth, diversification, and greater market reach. For financial services hubs like Malta, offering a streamlined and supportive legal and tax environment for such transactions is essential. 1. Legal Framework...
Top 10 Common Issues Found During Superyacht Surveys
Superyachts represent a remarkable fusion of luxury, design, and engineering, but even the most prestigious vessels can hide critical issues. At Vassallo Associates, our experienced marine surveyors routinely uncover a variety of problems that can impact safety,...
Pre-Purchase Yacht Surveys: A Must-Have for Every Buyer
Buying a yacht is an exciting venture, whether you're stepping into boat ownership for the first time or upgrading to your dream vessel. But before you commit to what is often a significant financial investment, one essential step must not be overlooked: the...
Malta Introduces 2025 Commercial Yacht Code, Enhancing Maritime Regulations
Transport Malta has unveiled the 2025 Commercial Yacht Code (CYC), marking a significant advancement in the nation's maritime regulatory framework. This updated code is designed to align with international standards and address the evolving needs of the commercial...
Malta’s Role In Aviation Finance
Malta has become a key player in the aviation finance and leasing industry, thanks to its strategic location, robust legal infrastructure, and alignment with international and European aviation laws. This status is reinforced by a legal system that effectively...
Use Of Electronic Certificates Issued By The Malta Ship Registry
Transport Malta Merchant Shipping Notice 193. Notice to Ship-owners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters, Owners’ Representatives and Recognised Organisations. Overview Transport Malta announces the implementation of electronic certificates for Maltese-registered ships,...
Comprehensive Yacht Maintenance: Ensuring Optimal Performance and Longevity
Maintaining a superyacht is a multifaceted endeavour that extends beyond mere aesthetics. It encompasses a series of meticulous inspections, routine upkeep, and timely repairs to ensure the vessel's safety, performance, and value retention. Regular maintenance not...
Court of Appeal Expands Fiduciary Duty Scope to Senior Employees in Landmark Maltese Ruling
In a significant development for corporate governance in Malta, the Court of Appeal has clarified that fiduciary duties extend beyond directors and trustees to encompass senior employees entrusted with substantial responsibilities. This clarification emerged from the...
Guidelines For The Ascertainment of Seaworthiness of Vessels Being Registered as Maltese Ships
Transport Malta has issued a notice to Shipowners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters, Owners’ Representatives and Recognised Organisations.This notice revokes MS Notice 127 Rev.1 The Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2025, is brought to everyone's attention by the...
New Finance Charter Instrument Enhances Ship Finance Framework Under Maltese Law
On 4 February 2025, Malta enacted Act No. I of 2025, introducing substantive amendments to the Merchant Shipping Act (Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta). This legislative reform, enacted with the advice and consent of the House of Representatives, reflects Malta’s...
A New Chapter for Maritime Law: Proposed Reforms to the Merchant Shipping Act
The Maltese Government has put forward Act No. I of 2025, a legislative initiative intended to strengthen Malta’s standing as a premier maritime jurisdiction. This proposed statute brings with it a host of reforms designed to modernise regulatory frameworks, promote...
Mediterranean Sulphur Emission Control Area
Transport Malta has published Merchant Shipping Notice 192 to Ship-owners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters, Owners’ Representatives and Recognised Organisations.The Merchant Shipping Directorate would like to draw the attention of all concerned to the amendments to...
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Has Registered a Draft Update for ISO 14001
A draft update to ISO 14001, the internationally accepted standard for environmental management systems, has been registered by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).It is not yet the official Draft International Standard (DIS). Although the draft...
Ship Fire Protection Systems, Appliances and Compressed Gas Cylinders Periodic Maintenance, Inspection and Testing
Transport Malta has issued Technical Notice SL.6 Rev.4 for Shipowners, Ship Operators, Managers, Masters, Owners’ Representatives, and Recognised Organisations All fire protection systems and appliances shall always be in good order and available for immediate use...
The Application of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) to Malta-Flagged Vessels Below 24 Metres
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 sets international standards for seafarers' living and working conditions. While the MLC certification is primarily required for vessels over 24 metres or 500 gross tonnage, Malta, as a prominent flag state, has implemented...
ISO 27001:2022 Transition Before The October 2025 Deadline
Organisations must prepare to switch from the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard to ISO/IEC 27001:2022. All companies certified to the ISO/IEC 27001 standard must have updated to the most recent version by October 31, 2025, when the three-year grace period ends. This last...
Cybersecurity and Data Protection in Maritime Operations: The Implications on Maritime Law
With more than 80% of commodities being moved by sea, the maritime sector has long been a pillar of international trade. The integration of advanced technologies has brought forth new efficiencies—and previously unheard vulnerabilities—as digital transformation...
Maritime Law and Climate Change Litigation: Navigating a New Era of Accountability
Climate change is an ongoing threat that affects every industry, especially the maritime industry. Maritime legal frameworks are being faced with new issues arising from the effects of extreme weather, increase in sea levels and environmental harm. As a result,...
ISO 9001 Revision: Progress Towards the Second Committee Draft: Revised Timeline and Publication Date
ISO/TC 176/SC 2/WG 29 Working Group 29 convened for its 7th meeting on 26 and 27 September 2024. This session held remotely via Zoom, focused on advancing the disposition of the remaining comments received on the first Committee Draft. The meeting saw active...
Autonomous Ships and Liability Issues: Maritime Law Will Need to Navigate Uncharted Waters
The maritime industry is on the brink of a revolution with the advent of autonomous ships - vessels that can function without direct human supervision - these ships are poised to revolutionise the maritime sector. These vessels promise to boost productivity, cut...