Marshall Islands Ship & Yacht Registration
The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) is a prominent international ship registry.
Registering a ship under the Marshall Islands flag offers significant benefits, making it a popular choice for maritime operations. Key benefits include (a) the Marshall Islands' status on the White List of the Paris and Tokyo MoUs, indicating high safety and compliance standards, (b) competitive registration and tonnage tax rates, and (c) a favourable regulatory environment with flexible regulations and no restrictions on ship ownership or crew nationality. Additionally, the Marshall Islands provides efficient administrative services, 24/7 customer support, and a robust legal framework based on U.S. and International maritime laws.
Facts & Info about: Marshall Islands Ship & Yacht Registration
- Ownership: Ships can be owned by individuals or companies of any nationality.
- Company Formation: The owning company can be registered in the Marshall Islands or elsewhere.
- Directorate: No specific residency requirements for directors.
- Resident Agent: Not required.
- Office Address: The company must have a registered office, which can be a representative office in the Marshall Islands.
- Annual Maintenance: Annual tonnage tax and maintenance fees must be paid.
- Inspections: Regular safety and compliance inspections as mandated by the Marshall Islands Maritime Administration.
- Financial Statements: Not explicitly required.
- Tonnage Tax System:Marshall Islands has a tonnage tax regime.
- Income Exemptions: Income from the operation of Marshall Islands-registered vessels can be tax-exempt under certain conditions.
- Capital Gains: No capital gains tax on the sale or transfer of a Marshall Islands-registered vessel or the shares of a shipping company.
- Registration Process: The registration process is typically swift, taking a few days.
- Marshall Islands Maritime Act: Governs the registration, sales, and mortgages of ships.
- Tonnage Tax Law: Regulates the taxation system based on tonnage.
- Flag State Control: Marshall Islands maintains high standards of safety, security, and environmental protection.
- Reputation: Marshall Islands is on the White List of Paris and Tokyo MoUs.
- Support Services: Comprehensive maritime services including ship management and legal support.
- Strategic Location: Attractive due to its favorable regulatory environment.
Does AGPLAW assist with re-flagging to the Marshall Islands flag?
Yes. AGPLAW assists with registration and re-flagging under the Marshall Islands flag, including flag transfers, purchase closing procedures and vessel delivery documentation.
Can yachts be registered under the Marshall Islands flag with AGPLAW?
Yes. AGPLAW assists with registration and re-flagging under the Marshall Islands flag, including flag transfers, purchase closing procedures and vessel delivery documentation.
What are the ownership requirements for Marshall Islands ship registration?
To register a vessel under the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) flag, ownership must meet the eligibility requirements of the RMI Maritime Act. Eligible owners include RMI citizens or nationals, including qualifying RMI legal entities, and qualified foreign maritime entities. Registration through a foreign entity is therefore possible where that entity satisfies the relevant qualification requirements. Eligibility must be assessed for the proposed owner and registration arrangement, including bareboat registration where applicable.

