Malta has become the largest ship registry in Europe with over 10,000 ships registered by the end of the first quarter of the year.
Globally, it ranks as the sixth largest ship registry and holds the top spot for superyacht registrations, according to the Transport Ministry. To enhance efficiency and maintain competitiveness, Malta is set to introduce a digital system to streamline ship registration.
Starting June 1, 2025, Transport Malta will begin issuing electronic certificates (e-certificates) to ship and yacht owners under the Maltese flag. This move follows the successful rollout of e-certificates for seafarers in 2021, with over 93,000 digital documents issued to date.
Electronic certificates under the Merchant Shipping Act
An electronic certificate shall be considered an original certificate for the purposes of the Merchant Shipping Act and shall therefore be used for the lawful navigation of a ship. This transition is part of the Malta Ship Registry’s commitment to improving administrative efficiency, enhancing sustainability, and supporting the maritime industry’s shift towards digital solutions.
It is to be noted that all original hardcopy certificates issued by this Administration prior to the above-indicated date shall remain valid until their expiry date and must be carried onboard.
Features of electronic certificates
All electronic certificates issued to Maltese-registered ships will comply with the standards outlined in FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2 and will include the following security features:
- Validity and consistency with the format and content required by the relevant international convention
- Protection from edits, modifications, or revisions
- A unique tracking number for verification purposes
- Reliable and secure verification through a continuously accessible digital platform
- A printable and visible symbol confirming the source of issuance
Format and verification process
From the effective date, the Malta Ship Registry will issue certificates in electronic PDF format, transmitted to the electronic address indicated by the applicant for onward delivery to Masters and Ship Managers. Each certificate will contain:
- A QR code, in lieu of a handwritten signature from the Registrar
- The name of the authorised officer who authenticated the certificate
The QR code will serve as the sole verification method confirming that the document has been issued by the Malta Flag Administration.
Verification of a certificate’s authenticity may be carried out as follows:
- Online verification: By scanning the QR code with a standard smartphone connected to the internet, allowing instant verification without third-party applications
- Offline verification: By using the DigSig Authenticator app, which enables access to certificate details even without an internet connection
The QR code will be in the form of an ISO/IEC 20248 DigSig, a Digital Signature and compacted data format used to verify the authenticity and integrity of documents.
Validity and compliance
All electronic statutory certificates issued by Recognised Organizations (ROs) on behalf of the Malta Ship Registry, in accordance with FAL.5/Circ.39/Rev.2, shall be recognized as valid under all applicable international instruments. In this context, specific reference is made to MS Notice 139 regarding the use of electronic certificates.
ROs issuing statutory certificates for vessels under the Malta Flag have been encouraged and authorised to enhance their capabilities to provide electronic versions of these certificates, thereby promoting improved administrative and operational efficiencies.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett emphasized that digitalization will improve transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in the maritime sector.
Meanwhile, CEO of Transport Malta, Kurt Farrugia, highlighted that the upcoming changes are part of a broader effort to modernize and maintain Malta’s standing in the industry.
