Europe Wins! Portugal Now Germany's Strongest Flag

With 432 ships, Portugal ranks in top position for the first time among the flags chosen by German shipowners – measured by ship ownership. According to current statistics from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Portugal has overtaken the flags of Antigua and Barbuda (427) and Liberia (319) in terms of number of ships. For decades, the German fleet was characterized by non-European offshore ship registers such as Liberia and the Marshall Islands. This has now changed at the beginning of 2026.

Through the collective efforts of the entire shipping industry, the EU share of all flagged-out ships has increased from 25 to 45 percent over more than 10 years. EUROMAR began promoting a European safe, reliable, and efficient ship register to German shipowners 12 years ago. Albrecht Gundermann, managing partner of the Portuguese flag agency EUROMAR, comments as follows: "We would like to use this opportunity to thank German shipowners. The goals achieved inspire us to continue giving our full commitment and to strive for continuous improvements. In the short term, further improvements to Portugal's already streamlined administration are forthcoming.

At the European level, a maritime industrial strategy is about to be published, and the European Industry Commissioner clearly advocates for a stronger commitment to Europe: This meets with our full approval and support. The only answer to more uncertainty in the world can only be more Europe – and thus an even clearer commitment to EU flags in shipping. Because Europe is the anchor of stability that, like hardly any other region in the world, stands for economic and security policy predictability.

The positive development shows that it is possible to inspire shipowners for EU flags with a very good overall package and reliable framework conditions. Every reflagging costs money, time, and nerves – but German shipping companies have invested considerable effort in an attractive flag and thus sent a strong political signal. Without this effort by German shipowners and backing for Europe, we would be in a different place today."

Jörg Molzahn, Co-Founder of EUROMAR, adds: "Shipowners choose Portugal because the Madeira International Ship Register (MAR) combines economic efficiency with clear, reliable framework conditions for them. The Portuguese EU flag thus stands for planning security, transparent processes, and a modern, digital administrative approach that noticeably facilitates the operational daily life of shipowners.

Particularly in international competition, Portugal (MAR) is gaining attractiveness because European standards are combined with pragmatic solutions here. The Regional Government of Madeira, together with EUROMAR, offers an environment that meets both the highest regulatory requirements and the economic interests of shipowners.

In addition, there is the high acceptance of the Portuguese flag in the global market. It enables shipowners to deploy their fleets flexibly internationally while simultaneously benefiting from integration into the European legal and economic area. This makes Portugal a strategic first choice within the European Union for many shipowners."

Ships that choose the Portuguese flag are registered in the Madeira International Ship Register (MAR). As of the end of January 2026, over 300 shipping companies with nearly 1,200 ships and a tonnage of around 30 million Gross Tons have opted for the Madeira Ship Register and thus for the flag of Portugal.

About EUROMAR
The exclusive sales and service agency for the Madeira Ship Register is EUROPEAN MAR (EUROMAR), founded in 2013, with offices in Funchal, Lisbon, Hamburg, and Athens. On behalf of the ship register, it brings together European and international shipping companies with the relevant maritime authorities in Portugal and other stakeholders.

Press @EUROMAR
www.eu-registry.com
Peter Lehmann
+49 40 36880048-0
peter.lehmann@eu-registry.com