How to hold, where to flag, and how to structure. Vessel ownership decisions carry long-term consequences across taxation, liability, regulatory exposure, and operational flexibility. Our Consultancy Division provides independent strategic guidance on ownership structures — informed by the operational reality that most advisors never see.
Ownership structuring sits at the intersection of commercial strategy and regulatory compliance. The right structure balances operational control, tax efficiency, liability protection, and regulatory alignment — while remaining flexible enough to adapt as circumstances change. We advise on structure, not legality. Our Consultancy Division guides the strategic decision; our Legal Division acts on it when required.
Strategic guidance on corporate structures for vessel ownership — single-purpose vehicles, trust arrangements, multi-jurisdictional holding structures, and family office integration. Each recommendation considers the owner's objectives, operational requirements, and regulatory environment across relevant jurisdictions.
Flag selection affects everything from crew certification to port state inspection frequency, charter permissions, and ISM compliance obligations. We evaluate flag state options against the vessel's operational profile, trading patterns, and the owner's risk appetite — not just the registration cost.
Existing ownership structures may no longer serve the owner's interests as regulations evolve, beneficial ownership transparency requirements expand, or operational profiles change. We advise on restructuring options, timing considerations, and transition planning to minimise disruption.
Ownership & Structuring advisory is available across all three Consultancy subscription tiers. Tier determines engagement depth, response priority, and cross-division access — the expertise is consistent throughout.