Germany’s Hartmann Group has reflagged 18 of its liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to Portugal’s Madeira registry, following recent tax changes in Germany. The move marks a major shift in the company’s fleet management strategy and highlights the growing appeal of the Portuguese International Ship Registry (MAR) among European shipowners.
Strategic Shift to Madeira Registry
The reflagging, reported by German trade media, covers most of Hartmann’s gas fleet segment, including one newbuilding. The combined gross tonnage of the reflagged vessels is approximately 250,000 GT. These ships are now sailing under the Portuguese flag, with Madeira listed as their port of registry.
MAR, the Portuguese International Ship Registry, operates as part of the Madeira International Business Centre and offers shipowners an EU-flag status coupled with favorable tax and administrative conditions. Its growing popularity stems from its competitive cost structure and regulatory efficiency, attracting companies seeking stable and business-friendly frameworks within the EU maritime sector.
Hartmann’s Expanding Gas Fleet
Headquartered in Leer, Germany, the Hartmann Group is a well-established player in the gas shipping market through its GasChem-branded fleet, which includes fully refrigerated, semi-refrigerated, and pressurized carriers. The company is currently executing a multi-year fleet expansion program covering 20 gas-carrier deliveries between 2023 and 2028, with vessel sizes ranging from 7,200 to 40,000 cbm, many featuring dual-fuel propulsion systems.
Recent deliveries include mid-size LEG/LPG carriers and ethylene carriers under 12,000 cbm, underscoring the group’s commitment to environmental performance and technical innovation.
The decision to reflag 18 vessels to the Madeira registry reflects Hartmann’s proactive response to changing fiscal conditions in Germany and its pursuit of operational efficiency within the EU framework. As MAR continues to attract more European shipowners, this move positions Hartmann to maintain its competitive edge in the global LPG transport sector while benefiting from a flexible and cost-effective EU flag regime.
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Source: PORT NEWS
