Horst WickinghoffResponding to a parliamentary question, the Maltese government has confirmed the receipt of seven applications for new yacht marinas across Malta and Gozo.
The proposals cover various locations and ambitious projects, including a new floating breakwater in Sliema, the redevelopment of the dock in Cospicua, and the transformation of a disused waterpolo pitch in Marsaskala. The latter proposal includes mixed-use facilities for residential, tourism, and commercial purposes. Further applications involve an all-weather yacht mooring, boat berths, a marina and breakwater in Ghajnsielem, and a new marina featuring land-side improvements at Sa Maison in Floriana.
It remains to be seen whether these specific applications will be approved or when construction might begin. However, the sheer volume of proposals highlights the high demand for berthing options in Malta as existing marinas reach capacity. Malta currently boasts the largest ship register in Europe and the sixth largest globally, with an increasing number of yacht owners and commercial fleets choosing to sail under the Maltese flag.
Malta's popularity as a flag state is largely driven by its favourable tax structure, competitive registration costs, and VAT incentives on yacht purchases. The government offers attractive benefits for owners flagging their vessels in Malta, making it well worth comparing jurisdictions. If you would like more information on flagging your yacht in Malta and the associated advantages, please contact us at DW&P Dr. Werner & Partners. We specialise in yacht registration and have assisted numerous clients in purchasing and registering their vessels here to maximise tax efficiency.
