New conditions for flying the Swiss flag at sea: a powerful signal for the future

In 2023, the Federal Council presented a maritime strategy for steering the future of Swiss shipping. It encompassed a number of revisions to existing legislation. One of the key objectives of the maritime strategy is to enhance the attractiveness of the Swiss flag for commercial seagoing vessels, yachts and coastal boats.

A ship flying the Swiss flag illustrates the new framework conditions for the Swiss flag at sea. — © Lukas Roth (SMNO)

As a first step to enhance the attractiveness of the Swiss flag, the Federal Council adopted new conditions for flying the Swiss flag at sea. Some of the key changes include:

• Simplified registration requirements: In future, it will be easier to register commercial seagoing vessels under the Swiss flag. Requirements regarding the nationality of the owner(s), beneficial owners, administration and management will be aligned with the Swiss Code of Obligations.
• Expansion of ownership: From now on, legal entities will also be able to register yachts in the Swiss Yacht Register or to apply for confirmation of flag registration for coastal boats. So far, only individuals or associations have been entitled to do so.
• Longer validity for certificate of registry and flag confirmation: The validity of the certificate of registry and the flag confirmation, which entitle yachts and coastal boats to fly the Swiss flag, will be extended from three to five years.
• Flat fee system: A flat-rate annual flag fee for commercial seagoing ships will result in a simplified and transparent fee structure.

These reforms are part of a comprehensive review of Swiss maritime legislation. The aim is to maintain the quality of the flag in the long term, ensuring it represents the Swiss values of reliability, efficiency and sustainability at a global level and facilitates new economic synergies.

As the next step, the Federal Act on Navigation under the Swiss Flag and the ordinance governing maritime navigation will be amended, while the Yachts Ordinance will be completely revised.