The government on Thursday adopted the proposed amendments to the Maritime Code designed to boost the competitiveness of the Croatian shipping sector and empower the status of sailors on the domestic and foreign markets as well as reduce administrative barriers and pave the way for the full digitisation of the maritime sector.

These moves would “make the Croatian flag more attractive for foreign owners, who will register their vessels, notably large yachts, in the (Croatian) register,” said Minister of Maritime Affairs Oleg Butkovic while outlining the proposed amendments.

This will also adjust the national maritime legislation to the new solutions in the European Union and to international treaties signed by Croatia, Butkovic said.

He explained that the models of registering vessels would be modernised, and that the register would be fully digitised with the centralised data pool in that e-register.

A tonnage tax regime for yachts will be also introduced, and all this will make the Croatian register more attractive for foreign vessels.

This will also facilitate longer stays of vessels in Croatia, and enable higher consumption, Butkovic said.

Consequently, a positive financial effect is certain and will have an impact on ship construction and repair activities, having in mind that yachts spend up to 10 percent of their value on regular annual maintenance, the minister said.

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