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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.