New Cooperation with the Sierra Leone Ship Register
AGPLAW is pleased to announce its new cooperation with the Sierra Leone Ship Register, further expanding the firm’s international shipping and yachting practice.
Through this cooperation, AGPLAW is now an Official Designated Inspections Representative (DIR) and a Registrations Specialist for the Sierra Leone flag. The firm is authorised to promote and facilitate the registration of vessels under the Sierra Leone flag, including, subject to registry eligibility criteria:
- Commercial Yachts
- Private Yachts
- Merchant Vessels
Why the Sierra Leone Flag
The Sierra Leone Ship Register, administered by the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMARAD), offers several advantages for owners and operators:
- Competitive registration fees and tonnage taxes
- A flexible regulatory framework, suited to a wide range of vessel types and operating models
- No restrictions on ship ownership or crew nationality
- Flexible corporate structuring. The owning company can be established in Sierra Leone or elsewhere, with no registered office required in Sierra Leone.
- A favourable tax position. No tax is levied on profits from the operation or management of a Sierra Leone-registered vessel.
A Registry with Growing Momentum
The announcement comes as the Sierra Leone flag records improving Port State Control results. In the latest Paris MoU assessment, the flag recorded 172 inspections and 10 detentions over 2023–2025, with an Excess Factor of 0.33, which SLMARAD describes as its strongest performance to date. The registry now sits closer to White List status. Sierra Leone Flag moves closer to Paris MoU White List in latest rankings +2
Flag choice should always be tailored to the vessel, its trading pattern and its commercial objectives. That is where independent legal advice makes the difference.
Comprehensive Shipping Support
This development forms part of AGPLAW’s broader strategy to offer flexible, efficient and internationally recognised ship registration solutions to shipowners, yacht owners, managers and brokers operating across multiple jurisdictions.
Our shipping team provides end-to-end support, covering vessel registration, flag selection, structuring and ownership advice, compliance, documentation, and ongoing registry liaison. The addition of the Sierra Leone flag enhances our ability to tailor solutions to the specific operational, commercial and regulatory needs of each client.
AGPLAW continues to expand its global shipping network, reinforcing its position as a trusted legal and advisory partner in maritime and yachting matters.
⇒ ⇒ For further information or enquiries regarding Sierra Leone ship registration or our wider shipping services, please contact [email protected] or file your request through our online form by clicking here.
Disclaimer: The information provided by AGPLAW | A.G. Paphitis & Co. LLC is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or formal legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information contained herein, no representation or warranty is given. In no event will the author or any related parties be liable for any loss arising from reliance on this article.
