The Spanish merchant fleet has reached a new historic low, with the number of vessels registered under the Spanish flag decreasing from 91 to 84 by 2025. This reduction signifies a 16% decline in gross tonnage (GT) and a 20% decrease in deadweight tonnage (DWT), indicating a significant contraction in the national fleet’s capacity.
- The fleet under the Spanish flag decreases from 91 to 84 vessels by 2025.
- Gross tonnage (GT) falls by 16%, and deadweight tonnage (DWT) decreases by 20%.
- The fleet controlled under foreign flags increases to 119 units.
Context and Background
Data from the end of 2025 reflects a declining trend that the Spanish Shipowners Association (ANAVE) has been warning about for nearly a decade. This decline in the national fleet coincides with an increase in the number of vessels controlled by Spanish shipping companies under foreign flags, now totalling 119 units. This shift is primarily driven by the search for more competitive fiscal and administrative conditions offered by other European registries.
Historically, the Spanish merchant fleet has played a crucial role in ensuring supply security and the logistics of foreign trade. However, the growing preference for foreign registries highlights a lack of competitiveness in the Spanish flag, which has struggled to adapt to the sector’s needs in a globalised environment.
In-Depth Technical Analysis
Factors Behind the Loss of Competitiveness
The competitive landscape for ship registration has changed significantly over the last few decades. Registries in Madeira, Malta, and Cyprus have gained popularity among Spanish shipowners due to their fiscal and administrative advantages. These registries offer not only a more favourable tax framework but also greater administrative agility and regulatory stability—critical factors for investment decisions in the maritime sector.
Impact of the Decline in the Liquefied Gas Segment
The liquefied gas sector has been one of the most affected by this trend, with a reduction from 13 to 10 units under the Spanish flag and a 22.2% decrease in gross tonnage (GT). This decline is particularly concerning given the strategic role of methanol carriers in energy transportation.
Concrete Operational Implications
Changes for Industry Professionals
The reduction of the fleet under the Spanish flag implies that professionals in the sector, such as captains and officers, may face fewer job opportunities within the national fleet. Additionally, changes in regulations and the need to adapt to different regulatory frameworks may require new skills and ongoing training.
Impact on the Labour Market
This shift in ship registration may increase the demand for professionals with experience in international regulatory frameworks and in managing fleets under foreign flags. Officers familiar with registries such as those in Madeira or Malta could find more job opportunities.
Macro Context
On a geopolitical level, the reduction of the national merchant fleet may affect Spain’s ability to secure supply in crisis situations. Furthermore, the loss of tonnage under the Spanish flag could have implications for the resilience of foreign trade amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.
Outlook
In the short term, the trend towards registering vessels under foreign flags is likely to continue unless significant changes are implemented in the fiscal and administrative framework of Spanish registration. The evolution of this situation will greatly depend on the measures taken to improve the competitiveness of the Spanish flag.
Critical Factors
Critical factors include the Spanish government’s ability to implement effective reforms that reduce the current competitive disadvantages. Additionally, regulatory stability and predictability will be key to attracting shipowners back to the Spanish flag.
FAQ
- Why has the number of vessels under the Spanish flag decreased? The lack of competitiveness in fiscal and administrative terms has led shipowners to prefer foreign registries.
- Which segments have been most affected? The liquefied gas segment has experienced a significant reduction in both the number of units and tonnage.
- Which foreign registries are most popular among Spanish shipowners? Madeira, Malta, and Cyprus are the preferred registries due to their competitive conditions.
This news is based on “La Marina Mercante española no interesa” from Acontecer Marítimo archives » Puente de Mando, by Juan Carlos Díaz Lorenzo, accessible via original link.
Legal Notice: This article is an independent editorial analysis based on public information and technical knowledge of the maritime sector. It does not substitute professional consultation nor constitutes specific technical, legal, regulatory, or professional advice.
Editorial Note: This article has been professionally adapted from Spanish to British English
for the WishToSail.com international maritime audience. Original article published at
QuieroNavegar.app.
