Malta’s maritime register to offer e-certificates to ship and yacht owners

Malta is set to introduce electronic certificates (e-certificates) for ships and yachts registered under its flag, in a major digital shift that aims to boost efficiency, accessibility, and international competitiveness.

As of 1st June 2025, owners of ships and yachts flying the Maltese flag will receive their certificates electronically, eliminating the need for physical visits to Transport Malta offices.

The announcement was made by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett, during a press briefing held alongside Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia and the Registrar General of Ships and Seafarers, Ivan Tabone.

The e-certification system will bring Malta in line with best international practices, as the digital documents will fully comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. Each certificate will incorporate advanced security features, including QR codes, to ensure authenticity and verifiability.

“This step makes us more competitive in a maritime industry that is increasingly demanding greater efficiency, transparency and accessibility,” Minister Bonett said. “As a maritime nation, we have an obligation to modernise. Our digital transition will increase efficiency without compromising the security of sensitive information.”

Minister Bonett also praised the team behind the project, noting that this initiative aligns with Malta’s commitment to growing with purpose and maintaining the integrity of its registry.

Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia described the rollout of e-certificates for ships and yachts as a natural progression from the digitalisation of seafarer documents, which began in 2021.

“We’ve already issued over 93,000 digital certificates for seafarers. Expanding this to ships and yachts ensures Malta remains competitive and compliant with international regulations,” he said.

The announcement comes as Malta continues to reinforce its global standing in the maritime sector. In 2024, the national ship register grew by nearly 10 per cent, and by the end of Q1 2025, Malta surpassed 10,000 registered vessels.

It retains its position as Europe’s largest maritime registry and the sixth largest globally. When it comes to superyachts, Malta boasts the largest register in the world.

With this digital shift, Malta is further consolidating its role as a leader in maritime services, offering ship and yacht owners faster, safer, and more streamlined services under the Maltese flag.