Fly the Swedish flag
The Swedish flag represents quality. The Swedish flag is internationally top-ranked, always maintaining the best possible standard.
The Swedish Register of Ships, which is among the oldest ship registers in the world, dates back to 1870. The Swedish Maritime Inspectorate was also one of the earliest of its kind to be established: in 1915. Today, the functions of both the Register of Ships and the Maritime Inspectorate are included in the Swedish Transport Agency, where we keep up the time-honoured tradition of good service by continuously working to improve the conditions for Swedish ships and shipowners.
And the Swedish flag indeed is a symbol of quality: Sweden is one of the countries on the Paris MOU’s white list and the Tokyo MOU’s grey list, and also included in the United States Coastguard’s Qualship 21 Program.
Classification societies
Sweden has entered into agreements with five of the biggest and best-reputed recognized organizations in the world. Just as the Swedish Transport Agency, these organizations may carry out surveys of Swedish ships, and issue certificates for ships in accordance with international agreements (conventions and codes) and relevant EU legislation.
Tonnage tax
On 1 July 2016, a tonnage tax system making taxation predictable for shipowners became effective in Sweden. The system will be a great improvement for shipowners.
The shipping subsidy
Sweden has a shipping subsidy from the state in the form of a crew subsidy for shipping companies whose ships fly the Swedish flag. The subsidy is granted to employers to cover tax on seafarers’ income and payroll tax (Swedish Ordinance on Shipping Subsidy, 2001:770).
Flexibility
In addition to members of the European Union, seafarers of Philippine and Russian nationality qualified in accordance with the STCW Convention may work on board Swedish ships.
Services offered by the Swedish Transport Agency
Technical support
Our customer service for maritime matters offers you the advice of experienced ship surveyors.
Register service
A specific contact for each ship is assigned to do any follow-ups necessary for a smooth process.
Change to the Swedish flag!
Read more about applicable requirements and initiate the process of registration to fly the Swedish flag.