Malta Flag Reaches Record Tonnage in 2015
Transport Malta, the Authority responsible for the Malta Ship Register, through its Merchant Shipping Directorate, reports a strong and positive performance for 2015.
The Maltese Register of Shipping saw an increase of almost 8.3 million gross tonnage in 2015, representing a growth rate of 14.3 percent compared to the year before, Transport Malta said.
The registered gross tonnage under the Merchant Shipping Act was 66.2 million gross tons, as of December 2015.
These statistics represent record figures for the Malta Flag and a significant achievement for the Malta Flag Administration, since over 900 ships for a total gross tonnage of over 12 million tons were registered during the year.
James Piscopo, Chairman and CEO of Transport Malta commented “this status was achieved thanks to the efforts of all stakeholders including shipowners, seafarers and the efforts and commitment of the personnel of the Merchant Shipping Directorate of Transport Malta. Such achievement is testimony that commitment to quality pays and that the Malta Flag Administration has managed to concurrently increase both its growth rate and enhance the technical performance of its registered fleet. I take this opportunity to thank all stakeholders for their contribution and confidence shown in Transport Malta.”
These results continued to consolidate Malta’s position as the leading Ship Register in Europe and the 6th largest in the world. This success is mainly attributed to the continued effort of Transport Malta and the Maltese shipping community to attract serious companies to the Maltese Register.
The average age of merchant ships registered under the Merchant Shipping Act during 2015 was 6.7 years, thus decreasing the average age of all the registered merchant fleet to 12 years.
