Federal Council relaxes regulations for ocean-going vessels
Published: Wednesday, Oct 9th 2024, 11:00
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The Federal Council wants more ships to sail under the Swiss flag again. It has therefore relaxed the regulations for the registration of ocean-going vessels.
The Swiss commercial deep-sea fleet has shrunk by around 75 percent in the last few years alone, the Federal Council announced in its decision on Wednesday. This decline is due to the current restrictive registration requirements.
Specifically, from January 1, 2025, requirements regarding the nationality of owners, beneficial owners, administration and management will be adjusted. In addition, shipping companies, like other companies, will be able to be majority debt-financed without corresponding requirements.
There will also be changes for yachts. Companies can now also register non-commercial vessels under their own name in the Swiss yacht register. According to the communiqué, this was previously reserved exclusively for private individuals and associations.
Furthermore, flag licenses will in future be valid for five years instead of three. These allow a Swiss flag to be flown on a yacht.
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