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
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
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
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
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
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.
Built for international shipping structures
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