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Growth and Partnership Forum reveals major revenue opportunities for local businesses as the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority expands beyond yacht registration ROAD TOWN, British Virgin Islands, Nov. 18, 2025. The Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) has outlined a dual-pathway growth strategy to expand beyond yacht registration into merchant vessel flagging, encouraging the local business community to position for new revenue across the global maritime market. Th...

Choosing the right flag state can save yacht owners thousands in import duties. Recent legislative changes in the BVI created a clear exemption for qualifying “BVI vessels.” When a yacht is owned by a BVI company or a Virgin Islander and registered in the Virgin Islands, it is treated as duty-free for import. This simplifies transactions and removes a cost line that often discouraged BVI ownership and flagging.Why the BVI is a Top Choice Tax-free yacht registration outcome for quali...

The British Virgin Islands, through its Caribbean maritime authority, has long been a trusted jurisdiction for vessel registration within the Red Ensign flag administration. With the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 2025, access has widened for global operators. Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority (VISMA) serves as a global facilitator, helping owners, financiers, and managers navigate the update while supporting sustainable growth across the blue economy.