Publication of a Bill entitled The "Aircraft Registration Act".

The Shipping & Registration Department of the firm published its December issue of its quarterly newsletter (Issue VI) discussing recent topics of interest in the shipping and maritime law practice areas. In this issue, of particular interest is the discussion on the potential development of a ship management market in Malta'

Opportunities for ship management are in the pipe line. The Shipping & Registration Department of this firm is encouraging Government to take the necessary steps and pass the required legislation. Apart from opportunities in ship management, there is also scope in creating the possibility of using Maltese shipping organisations to own non-Maltese ships. Legislative changes to bring this about will hopefully soon be passed and again this firm has made it views public that the legislative changes should be passed without further ado - see article published in the local press on November 5, 2009.

Draft legislation entitled the Aircraft Registration Act, 2009 is to be tabled in Parliament shortly by the Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications Dr Austin Gatt. The draft has been posted on the Ministry’s website as a second round of stakeholders’ consultation commences.

A Stakeholder Meeting was organised by the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications on the 11th February, 2009. Dr. Max Ganado on behalf of the Legal Group addressed the Meeting and presented the recommendations and proposals for legislative amendments and new legislation aimed at having a more competitive aircraft and aircraft mortgage register. Mr. Joe Schembri from the same Ministry addressed the business implications of these proposals.

Malta is set to accede to the Bunkers Convention. This comes as no surprise considering that Malta had indicated its intention to do so some years back. Malta's accession to this Convention will, no doubt, pose a number of additional legal requirements upon owners of Maltese vessels that fall within the Convention's net.

For SOLAS vessels, the IMO 'unique numbering' of owning companies and their technical managers is to come into force by 1st January 2000.

Bill amends laws relating to Territorial Waters and Contiguous Zone

Recognition and Endorsement of non-Malta Certificates of Competence for Service on Maltese Ships