Practice Areas > Aviation & Shipping > Shipping & Ship Registration
Overview
Strategically positioned and boasting safe natural ports, amongst which are the Valletta Grand Harbour and the Port of Marsaxlokk, Malta has over the centuries been considered as an ideal location for all shipping requirements. Being an island in the middle of the Mediterranean and a member of the European Union, Malta has today established itself as one of the leading maritime hubs and services centre not just in the region, but also worldwide.
Over the past decades Maltese shipping legislation evolved into becoming an ideal setup to become one of the most sought-after ship registers in the world, ranking as the largest ship register in Europe and the 6th largest worldwide. Ship owners have recognised not only the efficient, professional and cost-effective approach of local authorities involved in ship registration but also the number of fiscal benefits enjoyed with regard to a Malta-registered vessel.
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How we can help
Gonzi & Associates, Advocates is able to assist you with all aspects relating to the following shipping services:
- Incorporation of shipping organisations;
- Registration and transfer of vessels under the Malta flag;
- Registration and advising on bareboat charters;
- Registration, transfer, amendment and discharge of Maltese statutory mortgages;
- Assistance in marine litigation including within the ambit of arrest of vessels and enforcement of claims against vessels in Maltese territorial waters and the enforcement of Maltese & foreign registered mortgages and other security;
- Legal services in relation to vessel financing;
- Assistance with crew services including endorsing of crew certification and drafting, reviewing & vetting of seafarer’s employment agreements; and
- Advising as regards the taxation of shipping companies.
The Process
Specialising
Lawyers
Sarah joined Gonzi & Associates, Advocates in 2018 as an Associate Lawyer and leads the Firm’s Gaming team. Her practice focuses on all aspects of iGaming law which includes assisting clients with the acquisition of gaming licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority and follow-up assistance once the licence has been issued. The latter entails advising clients as regards their regulatory obligations, the drafting and review of all relevant agreements and the provision of assistance with respect to fees and taxation, employment issues and anti-money laundering and data protection compliance.
Sarah also forms part of the Employment team within the firm, advising clients in Malta, both employers and employees, on employment law-related matters. Sarah’s other practice areas include Maritime Law, Commercial Law and Corporate Law.
Sarah was awarded her warrant to practice as an Advocate before the Courts of Malta in 2018. She graduated as Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2017 after duly submitting her doctoral thesis entitled ‘Wrongful Arrest of Ships’. Sarah has also achieved a Professional Award in Taxation (MQF Level 6) from the Malta Institute of Taxation.
Education
2019: Professional Award in Taxation (MQF Level 6), Malta Institute of Taxation
2017: Doctor of Laws, University of Malta
2015: Diploma of Notary Public, University of Malta
2014: Bachelor of Laws, University of Malta
Professional Membership
The Chamber of Advocates, Malta