General Archives - Page 2 of 5

September is Yacht Show Season – Southern France and the Mediterranean

September marks the peak of yacht show season in Southern France and the Mediterranean, with significant events like the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show bringing together industry leaders and yacht owners alike.

At Asteria, we offer comprehensive services for yacht owners, from acquisition and registration to day-to-day management and eventual sale.

A superyacht, the Moonrise, lies at berth in Malta in September 2024 — Monaco Yacht Show brings together the majority of service providers in the yachting industry

Expert Yacht Management Services

Owning a yacht is a rewarding but complex experience. Whether you own a 100-meter superyacht or a smaller vessel for domestic navigation, proper registration, management, and ongoing compliance with international maritime conventions are crucial. Asteria offers a broad range of services to ensure that owning a yacht remains a pleasurable and hassle-free experience. Our services include:

Yacht acquisition and registration under the Malta flag
Day-to-day management, including crew selection and operational decisions
Charter management for commercial yachts to optimize revenue
Legal, financial, and tax advisory to make sound ownership decisions

We work closely with industry experts and ensure that every aspect of yacht ownership is handled professionally and efficiently.

Growing Yachting Industry in Malta & the Mediterranean

Malta has become a hub for the yachting industry, offering an attractive jurisdiction for yacht registration, operation, and charter. This is complemented by a growing network of professional services, from yacht servicing to legal and financial consultancy. Asteria stays ahead of industry developments, attending key yachting events to provide clients with the highest standard of service.

Networking at Key Yachting Events

September sees a flurry of yacht shows and events that bring together the best in the industry. After attending the Palma Superyacht Show earlier this year, Asteria will be at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show. These events are perfect opportunities for owners to explore new yachts, meet service providers, and network with potential partners. Asteria will be present at key stands, including Transport Malta, to continue forging relationships and stay at the forefront of yachting developments.

Why Choose Asteria?

Asteria provides a full range of services to ensure your yacht is well-managed and compliant with regulations. Whether you’re acquiring a yacht, exploring charter opportunities, or managing operational logistics, Asteria offers the expertise needed to make your yacht ownership experience seamless.

Ready to Learn More?

If you are attending one of the yacht shows or simply interested in learning more about our yacht management and consultancy services, please get in touch with us. Our team is ready to provide tailored advice to meet your unique needs.

Asteria attending EBACE in Geneva

Asteria Advisory is attending European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE), taking place in Geneva from 20 to 22 May 2025.

EBACE is one of the most important events in the global business aviation calendar, bringing together manufacturers, operators, service providers, and professionals from across the aviation sector. As a boutique legal practice specialising in aircraft registration, ownership structures, and cross-border advisory, Asteria’s presence at EBACE is a reflection of our commitment to staying at the forefront of this fast-moving and highly regulated industry.

Our goal during EBACE is to engage with stakeholders, explore current developments in aircraft operations and ownership, and continue building strong, responsive relationships with clients and service providers in the sector.

Whether you’re an aircraft owner, operator, financier, or part of the broader ecosystem, feel free to connect during the event. Asteria Advisory offers tailored legal and regulatory support across aircraft jurisdictions — with a strong focus on Malta and European operators.

📩 If you would like to meet during EBACE, get in touch — we’d be delighted to connect.

Asteria Advisory at the 2025 Palma International Boat Show: A Promising Start to the Yachting Season

The 2025 Palma International Boat Show (PIBS), held from April 30 to May 3 at Palma’s Moll Vell, once again marked the commencement of the Mediterranean yachting season. This year’s event witnessed record-breaking attendance, with over 30,000 visitors and 304 exhibitors, showcasing the latest innovations in the yachting industry.

Networking and Industry Insights

PIBS 2025 provided an invaluable platform for networking and gaining insights into current trends and developments within the yachting sector. The introduction of the Superyacht New Build Hub at Club de Mar highlighted the industry’s focus on bespoke, large-scale yacht constructions .

Asteria Advisory engaged with various stakeholders, strengthening relationships with clients and service providers. Our collaborations aim to offer comprehensive services to ultimate beneficial owners, ensuring seamless yacht registration and compliance processes.

Flag Registrations: Malta and Marshall Islands

A notable observation at the show was the prominence of yachts registered under the Malta and Marshall Islands flags. The Malta flag, in particular, was prevalent among larger yachts, reflecting its reputation for a robust regulatory framework and favorable tax regimes. The Marshall Islands registry continues to be a preferred choice for owners seeking flexibility and efficiency in international operations.

Malta Flag graces one of the superyachts — MAlta Flag graces one of the superyachts

Asteria Advisory specializes in facilitating yacht registrations under both Malta and Marshall Islands flags, providing tailored legal and regulatory support to meet the unique needs of our clients.

MArshall Island Flag graces one of the superyachts

Market Trends and Outlook

While the post-COVID era saw a surge in yacht sales and purchases, the current trend indicates a normalization of the market. This adjustment is not indicative of a downturn but rather a stabilization, suggesting a resilient and positive outlook for the industry – see the Majorca Daily Bulletin for more info.

Asteria Advisory’s Commitment

Our participation in PIBS 2025 reaffirms Asteria Advisory’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the yachting industry. We continue to provide expert guidance on yacht registration, ownership structures, and compliance, ensuring our clients navigate the complexities of maritime regulations with confidence. For more pictures of the event, jump across to the Palma International Boat Show homepage.

Interested in registering your yacht under the Malta or Marshall Islands flag? Contact Asteria Advisory today to learn how we can assist you in achieving seamless and compliant yacht ownership.

Malta Implements 2025 Amendments to Maritime Labour Convention Rules

The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 have now come into force, implementing important changes to the rights and welfare of seafarers under Maltese law. These amendments transpose the 2022 updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, as adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The updated rules reflect Malta’s continued alignment with international maritime standards, ensuring that ships flying the Maltese flag meet the evolving expectations of the global shipping industry when it comes to the working and living conditions of seafarers.

Key Areas of Amendment

The new rules introduce practical improvements in several key areas, including:

Seafarers’ welfare: Seafarers are now entitled to shore-based welfare services without cost, regardless of nationality or religious beliefs.
Entitlement to food and drinking water: These provisions now extend to all seafarers on board, with improved requirements regarding quality, quantity, and variety of meals.
Repatriation procedures: Ships must now provide clear information onboard about repatriation rights and procedures, helping seafarers understand their entitlements.
Social connectivity at sea: The amendments stress the importance of improving onboard internet access for seafarers, in line with modern expectations. While cost management is still a factor, shipowners are expected to provide access where reasonably practicable.
Medical care: Enhanced obligations are introduced to ensure prompt access to medical care ashore when needed, with additional protections for seafarers who fall ill or are injured in the course of service.
Deaths of seafarers: New rules provide that the next of kin must be promptly notified and offered counselling or support services where available. Shipowners are also required to make reasonable efforts to manage and repatriate the deceased’s body, unless otherwise requested.

Malta’s Commitment to High Standards

By enacting these changes through Legal Notice 96 of 2025, Malta continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the rights of seafarers and promoting decent working conditions onboard vessels under its flag. The updated rules also reinforce Malta’s strong position in the international maritime community.

Shipping companies and operators are advised to review their current policies, employment contracts, and onboard procedures to ensure compliance with the new obligations.

Asteria Advisory is available to assist with contract drafting and reviews or updates. We are happy to provide guidance on how best to implement these changes operationally. Contact us if you have queries about seafarers’ employment terms or wish to review your seafarers’ work conditions.

Launching Asteria Advisory

Asteria Advisory is pleased to announce its official launch as a boutique legal practice. Areas of specialisation include marine and aviation law, as well as tailored commercial legal services. With a commitment to Building Bridges, Asteria Advisory connects clients with the legal solutions, industry professionals, and opportunities necessary for success.

Asteria Advisory was formerly operated as a corporate services provider under the name of Asteria Management Limited, which is no longer in existence.

The firm is managed by Dr Geraldine Spiteri, founder, who is also a Malta-warranted advocate of 20 years’ standing.

Legal Solutions That Move Your Business Forward

With a strong focus on the maritime and aviation law sectors, Asteria Advisory provides expert legal guidance in ship, yacht and aircraft registration, asset management, regulatory compliance, and business setup. Whether working with shipowners, operators, investors, or aviation professionals, or helping the yacht or jet owner to manage the needs of these highly specialised assets, we ensure a seamless and efficient approach to navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks.

We also provide general legal, advisory and consultancy services to businesses.

📅 Official launch: March 28, 2025—a strategic date chosen to mark a new chapter of growth and opportunity.

On this day Dr Geraldine Spiteri will also attend and moderate the Mediterranean Business Aviation conference in Malta.

Clients and industry professionals are invited to connect and explore how Asteria Advisory can provide expert guidance in the marine and aviation sectors.

🔹 For inquiries: Speak to Dr Geraldine Spiteri – gs@asteria.mt – or use our Contact form.

🔹 For Updates: We will continue to update our news feed with posts of interest.

A – Asteria;s Logo

Asteria Advisory to Attend the 14th Mediterranean Business Aviation Conference

Dr Geraldine Spiteri to moderate the conference

Asteria Advisory is pleased to announce its participation in the 14th Annual Mediterranean Business Aviation Conference (MBAC).

The event will be hosted by Aeropodium in Malta on March 28th, 2025. It will be held at the Grand Excelsior Hotel. Participants will have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals.

This prestigious conference brings together industry leaders, legal experts and key stakeholders in the aviation sector. Discussion panels will discuss the latest trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities shaping the industry.

The MBAC is designed for manufacturers, operators, and industry organisations. The agenda includes robust discussions, analysis of the latest developments, exploration of the regional air taxi market, scrutiny of diverse business models and insights into regional infrastructure advancements.

Asteria Advisory is committed to staying at the forefront of industry developments. Our mission is Building Bridges – fostering valuable connections and providing clients with cutting-edge legal insights.

Asteria’s founder, Dr Geraldine Spiteri, will be moderating the discussions. Expert speakers from well-established and experienced professional backgrounds have confirmed their participation.

📍 Event Details:
📅 Date: March 28,2025
📌 Location: Malta – The Embassy Hotel. Valletta.
🎤 Hosted by: Aeropodium

For those wishing to attend the conference, you may book online.

Aircraft Image (c) Dhang Koi Ta on Unsplash

🔹 For inquiries or to schedule a meeting: head over to our Contact Page.
🔹 Learn more about the conference: click here.

Stay tuned for insights and key takeaways from the event!

The Women-In-Maritime Initiative

A few years ago, I gave a speech in an IMO International Maritime Institute (IMLI) discussion on women in the maritime industry. The IMLI Board of Studies had given me a scholarship to read my masters in 2006 (completion in 2007) so this seemed a good opportunity to give something back.

Today, I attended a similar-themed breakfast, She Leads the Seas. MaritimeMT, in Malta, organised this event as part of the MARMED project.

This get-together focused on the opportunities for women in the shipping industry.

MARMED

The MARMED project is a part of ERASMUS+. It aims to bridge the gap between the existing needs and the current skillset of Maritime Clusters Managers.

MARMED aims to look at upskilling of members of the industry. Other aims include:

Outlining an innovative professional profile for increased competitiveness of Maritime Clusters in the Mediterranean area; and
Overall, boosting innovation and sustainable growth in the Blue Economy sector.

THE EVENT

This in-person seminar included:

an outline of the project,
a discussion on the role of women in the maritime industry; and
a good overview of available opportunities.

Women are still widely under-represented in the maritime industry. Only 22% of the industry workers are female. There are many actions that the industry can take to change this balance.

The audience included IMLI students, various professionals and lecturers from the industry and officials from the Flag, Transport Malta.

Participants of the meeting also touched upon Women in Transport – EU Platform for change. The objective of this Platform, launched on 27 November 2017, is to strengthen women’s employment and equal opportunities for women and men in the transport sector through the actions brought about by the Platform members. It will also serve as a forum to discuss and exchange good practices.

REMEMBERING – INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR WOMEN IN SHIPPING

The IMO Resolution A.1170(32) of 09 December 2021, established the 18th May as the IMO International Day for Women in Maritime.

OHSA – A New Law on Safety & Security at the Workplace

The Occupational Health & Safety Authority (OHSA) has recently issued a leaflet to outline the basic tenets of the new law. In case you missed it or are not in Malta, here are the key points.

Every worker counts and every worker can contribute to the safety and security of the place they work in. The main objectives of the new law are the following:

Protecting mental and physical health of workers across all sectors
Implementing stronger measures and mechanisms
Fostering a prevention culture among workers and employers alike

Key responsibilities:

Responsibilities of the OHSA
- Allocating more resources to operate effectively
- Enhancing skills and competences of its own workforce
- Introducing new legal measures for rapid intervention in high-risk situations
- Modernising operational procedures for more effective oversight
- Health & Safety Responsible Officer – when neccessary to receive reports and investigate, ensuring access for workers to continuous support at the workplace
- Conducting life consultations nationwide to ensure sectoral improvements.
Employer Liability
- Risk and hazard identification
- Assesment of impact of risks on workers’ health
- Implementing necessary mesures to elimitate or control risks to workers’ health
- Provide appropriate training and information to workers, based on their role
- Ensuring competent supervision
Employees’ Responsibilities
- Cooperate with employer & team
- Proper use of equipment supplied
- Reporting of hazards
- Engaging in continuous training
- Adopting correct behaviour that does not endanger the team and themselves.

The OHSA offers a helpline – 158 – for more information or any difficulties.

If you are an employer seeking to draft your policies and procedures from this perspective and require assistance, contact us for a consultation. We can provide assistance with preparing your handbooks, policies and procedures, or provide a review based on the size of your operation and workforce.

The Business Behind the Journey: Travelling on Business

Why Travel Still Matters in Superyacht and Aircraft Advisory

At Asteria Advisory, travelling on business is more than a requirement. It’s a core part of how we deliver value to our clients. Whether attending yacht and aircraft shows, international expos, or industry summits, showing up in person remains a powerful tool for business growth. Here are my thoughts on the business behind the journey.

Staying Present in a Global Industry

My work revolves around two fast-paced, high-trust sectors: yachting and aviation. These industries thrive on relationships. While digital tools help us stay connected, there’s no substitute for face-to-face engagement. That’s why events like the Monaco Yacht Show or EBACE are more than just calendar items — they are vital touchpoints for business development.

Beyond the Booths

These events demand long days. Early morning panels often lead to back-to-back meetings, followed by networking dinners and receptions that run late into the evening. It’s tiring, yes — but it’s also where the real work happens.

Over coffee, cocktails, or casual conversations, ideas are exchanged. Trust is built. Opportunities are uncovered. Often, it’s not in the scheduled meeting but in the unscripted moments that collaborations begin.

Asteria on the Move

Since founding Asteria Advisory, I’ve continued this tradition of active presence — now as a solo practitioner. These trips are not just part of my routine. They are an intentional strategy to stay informed, build partnerships, and offer hands-on support to clients navigating ship registration, aircraft certification, and cross-border legal structures.

Travelling on business has great advantages – both personally and professionally.

Travel keeps Asteria connected — and it’s through these global interactions that we continue building bridges, one conversation at a time..

Here’s to more and more – networking, networking, networking.

Cannabis Reform – new Legal notice !

This article was originally drafted at the time of Malta’s cannabis reform in 2021. While some aspects may have since evolved, it remains a useful overview of the framework established for responsible cannabis use and regulation.

In a landmark reform, Malta legalized the personal use and possession of cannabis, establishing a legal and regulatory framework to oversee its safe distribution through non-profit associations.

A new legal notice introduced the concept of Cannabis Harm Reduction Associations—non-profit organizations permitted to cultivate and dispense cannabis in controlled quantities to their registered members. This model, focused on harm reduction rather than commercial sale, marks a significant shift in Malta’s approach to cannabis use.

To regulate this framework, the Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis (ARUC) was established. ARUC is tasked with:

Licensing and supervising cannabis associations
Ensuring responsible use through education and oversight
Developing guidelines to govern both the operational and ethical aspects of the associations

While the reform aimed to balance access with accountability, it also raised several open questions. These include how associations will structure their internal governance, what compensation models will be permitted for founders and administrators, and how long-term compliance will be enforced.

Although applications for licenses opened some time ago, the ongoing implementation of Malta’s cannabis law remains a developing story—one that will continue to test the boundaries between public health, individual freedom, and regulatory oversight.

The change comes amid a flurry of controversy, with the ARUC intended to show that the use of cannabis will still be controlled and that some of this control will be handed over to the voluntary organisations who will be dispensing it.

The journey has been long – and there is more work to be done. In particular, there are many questions, such as the level of pay which will be acceptable for the founders / investors or the commercial model to be used.

Applications have opened a few weeks ago but it remains to be seen as to the ongoing administration.

At Asteria Advisory, we continue to monitor Malta’s evolving regulatory landscape. Whether you’re considering setting up a non-profit association, require legal clarity on compliance obligations, or are exploring opportunities under Malta’s licensing regime, our team is here to help you navigate every step with confidence