On Friday 6th February, the Malta Maritime Law Association held, in collaboration with Transport Malta an informative session focusing on the new Code of Standards for the Appointment and Responsibilities of Resident Agents and the enhanced due diligence standards.

The session provided valuable insight into the regulatory updates aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, and professional standards within the maritime sector. These new measures are designed to further enhance the reputation, credibility, and quality of the Malta Flag reinforcing Malta’s position as a leading and responsible maritime jurisdiction.

Continued collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders remains key to maintaining excellence in our maritime framework.

The Malta Maritime Law Association was pleased to take part in this year’s Maritime World Conference Malta, contributing to two panel discussions during the event.

Our President, Dr. Matthew Attard, joined the panel “Charting the Course: Maritime Policy & Regulation in a Changing World”. The discussion brought together Dylan Cocklan (Maritime Administrator, Gibraltar) and Dr. Ann Fenech (President of CMI), with the session moderated by Filip Marcinkowski, regulatory and policy expert. The panel focused maritime regulation, its evolution and how challenges are shaping the sector’s future.

The MMLA also participated in the second panel through Dr. Stephan Piazza (Chairman of the Education Committee), who contributed to the discussion on “Yachting & the Superyacht Sector’s Role in the Modern Maritime Economy.” He was joined by Nico Sciberras (Director, Indirect Taxation), Camille Lopez (Founder, HY-Plug), Thomas Kieffer (CEO, EDGE) and Mark Savona (Safety Coordinator). The session explored the current state of the yachting industry and its growing role within the wider maritime economy.

We were glad to support the event and to contribute to conversations that continue to shape Malta’s maritime landscape.

As the morning panels wrapped up, guests and participants took part in a series of networking events within the Expo premises. .

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.