Malta sets record for most superyacht registrations

More than 1,030 superyachts around the globe now fly the Maltese flag as the island nation registered a record 51% increase in registrations.

Malta has held the highest number of registered superyachts over 78ft (24m) since 2020. The new figures were announced at the first Malta Superyacht Symposium organised by the Malta Chamber of Commerce and the Malta Maritime Law Association.

Dr Aaron Farrugia, minister for transport, infrastructure and capital projects said, “As a government, we are committed to continuing to support the yachting industry by eliminating red tape, continually promoting our position and the services we will be offering.”

During the opening speech of the two-day event, Farrugia stated that the country’s first national policy for the superyacht industry will be announced in the coming months.

“Just as Malta has become a global leader in ship registration, and as a transhipment hub, Malta’s vision is to develop the island as a leading yachting hub in the Mediterranean,” he said. “This industry took off on a strong basis but now must continue evolving on another level.”

The Grand Harbour (pictured), located in Vittoriosa, is also under substantial regeneration. Overlooking the Maltese capital Valletta across the bay, the harbour’s marina hosts 26 berths for yachts up to 443ft (135m). The project is an EU-funded initiative to electrify the entire harbour and reduce harmful portside ship emissions by 90%.

 “We will create an ecosystem that rivals the best, above all, we will see to it that we have a trained workforce,” said Farrugia.