Merchant Shipping Directorate ‘providing full support’ to Malta-flagged vessels in Middle East

As the conflict in the Middle East rages, on, Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate, in charge of the country’s ship registry, says it is “working closely with the relevant Ministries and competent national authorities to ensure coordinated diplomatic and technical assistance, with the overriding priority being the safety of seafarers and the protection of Maltese-registered assets.”

The attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, and Iran’s retaliation with attacks on several other countries in the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, has thrown shipping in the region in disarray.

The conflict has led US President Donald Trump to direct the US International Development Finance Corporation to extend political risk insurance to ships in the area, although the statement has seemingly caused more confusion than peace of mind.

Amidst the uncertainty, the Maltese Merchant Shipping Directorate is maintaining “direct and continuous communication with vessels operating in the region,” Dr Ivan Tabone tells BusinessNow.mt.

The Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen says updated navigational advisories, risk assessments and guidance are being issued as necessary as part of an inter-ministerial response framework.

“At the same time, shipowners and masters have been reminded that operational decisions must always be taken in strict compliance with instructions issued by the relevant coastal and port state authorities.”

Dr Tabone notes that as one of the world’s leading ship registries, Maltese-flagged vessels operate across all major international shipping routes, including the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

“Given the strategic importance of this corridor for global trade, it is expected that Maltese-registered vessels will be present in the region at any given time, whether in transit or in port. Vessel movements remain publicly traceable through standard AIS monitoring systems.”

He adds that the Merchant Shipping Directorate “is providing full support to Malta-flagged vessels in line with its obligations under international maritime conventions. This is consistent with the Directorate’s standing practice worldwide, particularly in regions experiencing heightened geopolitical tension.”

Dr Tabone concludes that Malta “remains fully committed to upholding international maritime law, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and ensuring that its flag continues to represent safety, stability, and responsible maritime governance, even in challenging circumstances.”