The Malta Maritime Law Association held its seminar “Key Insights on VAT & Yachting Transactions” on Tuesday, 28th October 2025, at Hyatt Centric, St. Julian’s.

The event brought together around 80 participants, including MMLA members, tax advisers, lawyers, and professionals involved in the yachting sector.

The morning opened with welcome remarks by MMLA Executive committee member and the Yachting & Tax Sub-Committee chairman Anthony Galea (AG Advisory Ltd).

Followed by the first panel discussion, “Yachting: Sale & Purchase Transactions,” moderated by Christine Cassar Naudi (Ganado Advocates). The panel featured Chris Borg (Deloitte) , Mark Lautier (PWC) , Christabel Gatt (Zampa Partners), and Louise Grima (KPMG). The panel discussed current VAT challenges and considerations in yacht sale and purchase transactions.

An interview followed with NSO representatives Mr. Joseph Galea (Head of Unit) and Mr. Kevin Borg (Principal Statistician), led by William Cassar (Fenlex). The discussion focused on trade statistics and their relevance to VAT reporting and industry analysis.

After a short coffee break, the programme continued with an interview with Nico Sciberras, moderated by William Cassar and Matthew Zampa (Zampa Partners). Topics included the EU VAT refund directive, OSS regime complexities, the 12% reduced VAT rate on charters, and the potential impact of VIDA on the yachting sector. The application of the commercial exemption in Malta was also discussed.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Anthony Galea, who thanked the speakers, attendees, and the Yachting & Yachting Tax Sub-Committee for their work in organising the event.

MMLA President Dr Matthew Attard (2 .left) together with Executive Committee Member Dr. Stephan Piazza (left) and Dr. Matthew Xerri (right) represented the Malta Maritime Law Association during the Malta Maritime Forum’s Annual General Assembly held on 26th May. During the AGM the MMF presented its annual report and results achieved to members present.

The Malta Maritime Law Association is a proud member of the Malta Maritime Forum and looks forward to collaborating further with its chairman Mr. Godwin Xerri (2. right) and all its board members to further strengthen the maritime industry in Malta.

We are pleased to announce Dr Matthew Attard, President of the Malta Maritime Law Association, as one of our distinguished keynote speakers for the Malta Shipping Symposium.

Join us on the 30th of May 2023 at the Malta Chamber of Commerce Valletta and gain invaluable knowledge from his expertise in the maritime sector. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to expand your industry insights.

Transport Malta | Malta International Shipowners Association

MCConsult & Associates | DINGLI & DINGLI Law Firm | GVZH Advocates | Ganado Advocates | NAS Ltd. | Fenech & Fenech Advocates | MAMO TCV Advocates | GM International Services Ltd | JB Sorotto | Coprolin Securitisation Service | VISTRA

The Malta Maritime Law Association congratulates Mr Jonathan BORG on his appointment as CEO of Transport Malta.

Mr Borg is a veteran in the maritime sector with more than 30 years of experience.

The Malta Maritime Law Association looks forward to collaborating with him in his new position.

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