A new era of maritime excellence

Malta’s maritime industry, governed by the Merchant Shipping Act of 1973, Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta, is set to undergo a major transformation. This legislative cornerstone which regulates vessel registration, security interests, safety standards, seafarers’ rights and shipowner obligations has evolved over the years to keep pace with global maritime trends. Now, with the introduction of Act No. I of 2025, we are on the brink of a new era in maritime excellence.

In light of these developments, Ganado Advocates proudly presents “A new era of maritime excellence” – a legal series that delves into the key amendments proposed by the Act and their impact on Malta’s maritime sector.

Stay tuned for in depth articles, expert insights and real time updates as we navigate through these significant changes.

The legislative journey of the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill :

Introduction of Bill No. 108

7 Nov 23

Hon. Aaron Farrugia MP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, introduced Bill No. 108 in Motion No. 190, marking the formal presentation of the Bill to the Office of the Clerk to the House.

First Reading

13 Nov 23

Bill No. 108 was put on the parliamentary agenda for its First Reading at 9:03am in Valletta and was led by Deputy Speaker Hon. David Agius.

Hon. Aaron Farrugia MP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects proposed that the title of the Bill and the contents of the Bill be read out, to which Hon. Michael Farrugia, Vice-President of the Committee seconded. The motion was put to a vote without any debate and read out loud for the first time.

Second Reading

15 Jan 25

Second Reading of Bill No. 108 was proposed by Hon. Aaron Farrugia MP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects and seconded by Hon. Naomi Cachia in Valletta at 2:02pm, whereby a detailed debate on the general principles of the bill took place. Hon. Alicia Bugeja Said, Hon. Ivan Castillo, Hon. Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, and Hon. Chris Bonett participated in the discussion.

The motion passed and the Bill was read out for a second time. Subsequently, Hon. Aaron Farrugia MP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works proposed that the Bill be referred to the Standing Committee for Consideration of Bills, a motion which was also seconded by Hon. Naomi Cachia and passed.

Adjunct Committee Review

27 Jan 25

Bill No. 108 was reviewed by the Adjunct Committee in Valletta at 4:39pm. Each clause of the bill was examined in detail by the likes of Hon. Chris Bonett MP and Hon. Ivan Castillo MP. Both Government and Opposition Members were given the opportunity to propose amendments.

Hon. Chris Bonett stated “permezz ta’ dan l-Abbozz ta’ Liġi se nkunu qed nemendaw l-Att dwar il-Bastimenti Merkantili u dan huwa l-aktar pakkett ta’ emendi estensivi illi qed isiru f’dan l-Att mis-sena 2000 … Dan proprju biex inkomplu nżommu l-leadership illi għandna fl-Ewropa u anke fid-dinja f’dak li għandu x’jaqsam mar-reġistru tal-vapuri.”

Hon. Ivan Castillo agreed and further mentioned “Aħna wkoll iltqajna mal-istakeholders u huma wkoll urew is-sodisfazzjon tagħhom dwar dawn l-emendi li qed jiġu ppreżentati sabiex mhux biss inżidu l-effiċjenza però wkoll nimmodernizzaw aktar il-flotta u r-reġistru ta’ pajjiżna.”

Votes were taken on each clause and the amendments proposed. At 5:05pm, the discussion was concluded and the Committee was adjourned.

Third Reading

29 Jan 25

Bill No. 108 was put on the parliamentary agenda for its Third Reading. A recommittal review was not needed due to the thorough review already conducted by the Adjunct Committee two days prior, which addressed all necessary amendments and discussions. Hence, the Bill proceeded directly to the Third Reading.

At 4pm in Valletta, the Speaker declared the Bill approved, and it received parliamentary approval.

Act of Parliament

4 Feb 25

Once Bill No. 108 received parliamentary approval, it was given presidential assent and was published in the Government Gazette, becoming Act No. I of 2025.

This Act is set to come into force two months from today.

Enactment date

4 Apr 25

Act I of 2025 comes into force, two months after its publications date, introducing significant changes in ship financing and establishing a new era of maritime excellence in Malta.