Shipping

Gibraltar is the largest bunkering port in the Mediterranean and a Category One Red Ensign ship register, making it a strategically positioned base for shipping and maritime middle-market organisations. Situated at the gateway between Europe and Africa, it offers a highly connected, internationally accessible hub for vessels transiting between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Why choose Gibraltar as a base for shipping operations?

Situated at the gateway between Europe and Africa, Gibraltar is strategically positioned and is recognised as the largest bunkering port in the Mediterranean. This makes it an attractive base for shipping operations and a key hub for vessels transiting between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Coupled with the benefits of the UK-EU Treaty, including bespoke access arrangements and connectivity linked to the Schengen area, Gibraltar offers a highly connected and internationally accessible base for shipping and maritime middle-market organisations.

Gibraltar has become an important port for luxury launches and superyachts undertaking transatlantic voyages and has established itself as a maritime centre of excellence. The shipping industry has benefited from Gibraltar's strong reputation for maritime regulation, including the Gibraltar Ship Register's continued inclusion on the Paris MoU White List on Port State Control.

What maritime services does Gibraltar offer?

Gibraltar offers a comprehensive range of maritime services, including bunker fuel supply, provisions, spare parts, and high quality berthing facilities. Importantly, its Ship Register is a Category One Red Ensign Register (the only one on the European continent, other than the UK), enabling the registration of ships of unlimited tonnage, type, and length.

Vessels registered in Gibraltar are British ships and are entitled to fly the Red Ensign. Shipowners therefore benefit from a respected international registry, a legal system based on English common law, and a competitive, service-orientated registration regime.

The challenges facing the shipping industry

The shipping industry operates in an increasingly complex and demanding environment, characterised by cyclical freight markets, fluctuating vessel values, evolving regulatory requirements, and growing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expectations. Market participants must also navigate heightened compliance obligations and changing global trade patterns.

How RSM supports shipping and maritime middle-market organisations

Through our extensive experience in the maritime industry, we've developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by shipping middle-market organisations. We work with a broad range of industry participants, including:

• Publicly listed shipping groups.
• Privately owned and family-run shipping companies.
• Ship-owning structures.
• Ship management companies.
• Yacht operators.
• Maritime service providers.

Drawing on our multidisciplinary expertise, we can provide a comprehensive suite of professional advisory and business support services tailored to the specific needs of the shipping industry, including:

• Quality Audit.
• Book-keeping services.
• Payroll for the crew.
• Tax Advisory.
• Group Restructuring.
• Yacht Registration.

How can we help you?

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today!