Shipping in Bermuda

Bermuda gives global shipping businesses a trusted base for ownership, management and growth.

A recognised maritime jurisdiction

Bermuda’s ship registry is a Category 1 member of the British Red Ensign Group, supporting a global portfolio of commercial vessels, offshore vessels, cruise ships and yachts.

The jurisdiction offers ship and yacht registration, mortgage registration, statutory surveys, certification, inspections and related maritime services. Bermuda also benefits from a strong legal system based on English common law, comprehensive maritime legislation and access to high-quality professional expertise across law, finance, insurance, accounting and corporate services.

Why Bermuda for shipping

01 Tax certainty
01

Tax certainty

Bermuda provides a clear and internationally aligned tax framework for global businesses, including the introduction of Corporate Income Tax for in-scope large multinational enterprise groups. This gives shipping groups the clarity needed to structure and manage international operations with confidence.

02 Regulatory reputation
02

Regulatory reputation

Bermuda is recognised for strong regulatory standards and international cooperation, including alignment with global expectations on BEPS, economic substance, transparency and exchange of information, Common Reporting Standard requirements and AML/ATF standards. The EU’s current list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions does not include Bermuda, which is an important reputational differentiator for internationally active businesses.

03 Maritime expertise
03

Maritime expertise

Bermuda offers a respected registry, experienced maritime professionals and survey capability supported from Bermuda, London and appointed surveyors in strategic locations around the world.

04 Risk and Capital
An overhead view of Hamilton Harbour in Bermuda.
04

Risk and Capital

As one of the world’s leading centres for risk, insurance and capital, Bermuda gives shipping businesses proximity to deep expertise in re/insurance, financing, corporate structuring and professional services.

05 Substance and stability
05

Substance and stability

Bermuda is a self-governing British Overseas Territory with a stable political environment, a long-established courts system and a sophisticated business ecosystem. For shipping groups seeking a credible base for global operations, Bermuda offers substance as well as access.

News & Media

BDA publishes 2025 Year in Review, highlighting investment momentum and measurable progress
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BDA publishes 2025 Year in Review, highlighting investment momentum and measurable progress

Hamilton, Bermuda, 23 April 2026 — The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) has published its 2025 Year in Review, setting out the investment activity, market engagement and economic outcomes that defined the year.  The report reflects a period of more disciplined execution for the BDA as Bermuda’s investment promotion agency, with a stronger focus on […]

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Bermuda Strengthens Global Standing in Latest Global Financial Centres Index
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Bermuda Strengthens Global Standing in Latest Global Financial Centres Index

Hamilton, Bermuda — 21 April 2026 — Bermuda has further strengthened its position as a leading international financial centre in the latest edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 39, retaining first place in Latin America and the Caribbean. As noted in the report summary, “Bermuda rose a further twenty-three rank places to maintain […]

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Bermuda Risk Summit 2026 reinforces Bermuda’s role in building what’s next for global risk and capital
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Bermuda Risk Summit 2026 reinforces Bermuda’s role in building what’s next for global risk and capital

Hamilton, Bermuda, 13 April 2026 — The fifth annual Bermuda Risk Summit 2026, hosted by the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), brought together senior leaders for three days of high-level dialogue, market insight and strategic engagement that reinforced Bermuda’s position as a leading jurisdiction at the intersection of risk, capital and innovation. Held at the […]

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