Malta has once again reinforced its reputation as a leading maritime flag state, securing a position among the world’s top ten in the latest International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Flag State Performance Table. This continued recognition highlights Malta’s strong adherence to international standards governing safety, environmental stewardship, and seafarer welfare, being three key benchmarks used to evaluate global shipping registries.
The performance table, compiled using objective data such as port state control records and convention ratifications, places Malta within a high-performing group of major registries responsible for a significant share of the global merchant fleet. Notably, Malta remains among a select category of flag states recording no more than one negative indicator across the ICS assessment criteria, underscoring the consistency of its regulatory oversight and operational quality.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the achievement, pointing to the collaborative efforts of national authorities, the ship registry, and the wider maritime community. Beyond regulatory performance, Malta’s appeal is also linked to its competitive fiscal structures and robust legal framework, factors that continue to attract international shipowners and strengthen its status as a preferred flag of choice. For shipowners, the result underlines Malta’s value as a high‑quality flag that combines scale with regulatory credibility, positively influencing inspections, chartering prospects and financing perceptions.
Overall, the latest rankings reaffirm Malta’s stable and reputable standing within global shipping, reflecting sustained commitment to excellence and long-term sectoral development.
About the Author
This article has been authored by Legal Advisor,
Dr Luana Agius as the primary author and Manager - Legal & Maritime,
Dr Edward Meli as the secondary author.
