Admiralty & Shipping Law in Cyprus

Comprehensive Maritime Legal Services

At Papantoniou & Papantoniou LLC, we provide specialised legal services in Admiralty and Shipping Law, assisting shipowners, charterers, financiers, and maritime professionals in Cyprus and abroad. With Cyprus established as a global maritime hub, our lawyers combine in-depth local insight with international experience to deliver strategic and commercially practical solutions across all areas of maritime law.

Cyprus as a Leading Maritime Centre

Cyprus has long been recognised for its vital role in the global shipping industry, dating back to 1963. Its strategic geographic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a gateway for international trade and maritime operations.

In addition to its location, Cyprus offers a range of fiscal and economic advantages, including:

  • Competitive ship registration costs and annual tonnage taxes
  • A favourable tax regime for ship management
  • Low ship operation expenses
  • Access to highly skilled local maritime professionals

These features have made Cyprus one of the most attractive jurisdictions for shipowners and ship-management companies, leading many international groups to establish fully fledged offices on the island.

Our Admiralty & Shipping Services

Ship Registration and Flag Choice

We assist clients in registering vessels under the Cypriot flag, taking full advantage of Cyprus’s “open registry” system—one of only two in the European Union that allows non-Cypriot citizens to register ships. Our services include flag selection, registration, re-flagging, and de-registration, ensuring compliance with all national and international standards.

Vessel Sale and Purchase Transactions

Our team advises on the acquisition and sale of vessels, conducting due diligence, drafting and negotiating contracts, and coordinating the transaction’s tax and corporate elements to secure seamless and cost-efficient closings.

Charterparties and Maritime Commerce

We advise on time charter, voyage charter, and bareboat charter agreements, as well as broader matters of maritime commerce, ensuring our clients’ contractual arrangements align with their operational and commercial objectives.

Maritime Disputes and Litigation

Papantoniou & Papantoniou LLC represents clients in disputes involving vessel arrests, cargo claims, charterparty conflicts, marine insurance issues, freight disputes, and maritime liens. Our lawyers appear before Cypriot courts and international arbitration tribunals, providing robust and result-driven representation.

Corporate, Finance, and Tax Matters

We assist clients with the formation of shipping companies, corporate structuring, and tax planning for shipowners and managers. Our firm also advises companies seeking listing on the Emerging Companies Market (E.C.M.), combining our expertise in corporate finance with shipping law.

The Cyprus Advantage

Cyprus provides a regulatory and commercial environment uniquely suited to the maritime industry. Its benefits include:

  • Excellent geographical position at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
  • Open Registry system (one of only two in the EU) allowing non-Cypriot shipowners to register vessels
  • Advanced maritime infrastructure with multipurpose ports in Limassol and Larnaca
  • Strong international relations and cooperation with maritime authorities
  • Favourable tax regime for shipowners and crew members
  • Low ship registration fees and no income, estate duty, or capital gains tax on Cyprus-registered ships
  • No stamp duty on ship-mortgage deeds or other documents
  • Anonymity of beneficial ownership through nominee or trustee shareholders
  • Recognition of Competency Certificates from numerous countries
  • Simplified de-registration procedures from the Cyprus Shipping Register

Why Choose Papantoniou & Papantoniou LLC

For more than three decades, Papantoniou & Papantoniou LLC has been a trusted partner to shipowners, financiers, and maritime operators in Cyprus and internationally. As a proud member of the European Law Firm network, our reach extends across Europe, Russia, and key jurisdictions including the United States, India, China, and Thailand. We provide clients with cross-border legal services that combine professionalism, confidentiality, and strategic precision—hallmarks of our firm’s reputation in the maritime sector.

Contact Our Admiralty & Shipping Law Team

Whether you need assistance with ship registration, vessel sale or purchase, charterparty drafting, maritime dispute resolution, or corporate structuring, our dedicated team is ready to assist.

Papantoniou & Papantoniou LLC
📍 Katsoni 8, Ayioi Omoloyites, Nicosia, Cyprus
📞 +357 22817711
📧 info@paplaw.com.cy
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