Asteria is attending 7th CAMS Conference, being held in Malta and organised by Aeropodium.
CAMOs operate at the intersection of operational responsibility and legal accountability. While their goal is technical—ensuring ongoing airworthiness—their playing field is deeply shaped by an ever-evolving regulatory framework.
Dr Geraldine Spiteri is moderating the conference, which will deal with data issues, rethinking CAMO operations, director responsibilities and much more. She will be presenting on key challenges facing CAMO, focussing on regulatory challenges.
Watch this space for an update on the information shared during the conference.
Originally published in 2021 The applications of blockchain technology in logistics and business operations were just emerging in 2021. Here’s how it started — and why it’s still relevant today.
How is blockchain technology making businesses more efficient, competitive, and secure? In this article, we explore how it transforms inventory tracking, payment processing, and the global supply chain — the backbone of modern commerce.
Blockchain in your Business is an important asset
Adapting to Evolve
To survive and thrive, companies must adapt to evolving market demands and adopt innovative technologies. Blockchain is one such solution — offering the potential to streamline processes, enhance transparency, and solve persistent issues in logistics, administration, and security.
What is Blockchain Technology?
Often referred to as a “disruptive force,” blockchain technology is a decentralized, distributed digital ledger powered by cryptography. Operated by a global peer-to-peer network, it enables data to be recorded in secure, immutable blocks connected in a chronological chain.
This structure means that tampering with one block would require altering the entire chain — a near-impossible feat — thereby making blockchain one of the most secure and trustworthy data technologies available.
Why Blockchain Matters in Business Logistics
Today’s supply chains span multiple jurisdictions, involving a complex web of vendors, transport hubs, and financial transactions. Blockchain can help modernize this ecosystem by:
Improving traceability and transparency
Reducing fraud and administrative errors
Speeding up transactions and reducing costs
Creating trust in multi-party systems
Let’s explore how it works in real-world business logistics.
1. Settling Payments
Companies often experience long delays — averaging 42 days — to receive invoice payments. Paper-based documentation and human error further inflate administrative costs.
Blockchain-powered platforms enable businesses to settle payments through Smart Contracts, which self-execute once pre-defined conditions are met. These digital agreements eliminate the need for intermediaries, reduce delays, and cut down administrative overheads.
2. Inventory Tracking
Inventory management is critical to a company’s efficiency and profitability. Blockchain enables granular visibility over supply chains — allowing businesses to track individual items from origin to destination with improved precision and minimal error.
In the event of a product defect or recall, affected batches can be swiftly identified without disrupting the entire inventory.
3. Security
In a digital-first world, security threats like ransomware, theft, and fraud are real concerns. Blockchain offers superior security through:
Decentralized data storage
Advanced encryption
Smart contract automation
These tools help businesses protect sensitive data and reduce exposure to third-party risk.
4. Reliability & Transparency
One of the most valuable aspects of blockchain is that it reduces reliance on intermediaries. With immutable ledgers and transparent transactions, disputes can be resolved without external audits, and trust is built between stakeholders.
Is Blockchain Right for Every Business?
While blockchain offers significant benefits, its adoption comes with challenges:
Complex integration with legacy systems
Risk of data loss if encryption keys are misplaced
Inflexibility due to immutable records
Still, for companies seeking long-term gains in efficiency, security, and transparency, blockchain is proving to be a worthwhile investment.
Looking Ahead
From inventory tracking and payment automation to reducing friction in the global supply chain, blockchain continues to redefine how businesses operate. As adoption grows, companies that implement blockchain solutions are likely to enjoy a competitive edge in terms of speed, reliability, and trust.
Contact us if you have queries regarding setting up your business. We can also help you to access the right networks to work with blockchain technology.
Asteria offers a broad range of services for businesses, be it re-domiciliation or management services. This helps to ensure that Malta continues to attract international companies seeking a stable, business-friendly jurisdiction within the EU. Whether you’re relocating for strategic, regulatory, or operational reasons, the redomiciliation of companies to Malta offers a practical solution without the disruption of winding down and starting anew.
What Is Redomiciliation?
Redomiciliation is the process by which a company changes its jurisdiction of incorporation while maintaining its legal identity. In Malta, this is governed by the Continuation of Companies Regulations, which allow foreign-registered entities to continue operating locally without dissolving and re-incorporating.
This process ensures that companies can retain their existing structure, assets, and contractual obligations—minimising business disruption while benefiting from Malta’s competitive corporate framework and robust legal system.
Why Choose Malta for Corporate Redomiciliation?
Malta offers an attractive proposition for businesses across multiple sectors. Its EU membership, strategic location, strong financial and regulatory infrastructure, and competitive tax environment make it a prime choice for redomiciliation.
Whether you’re a commercial enterprise, holding company, or consultancy firm, relocating to Malta can offer significant long-term advantages.
Asteria Advisory: Your Partner for Seamless Relocation
At Asteria Advisory, we provide expert legal services and consultancy to companies seeking redomiciliation to Malta. Our legal advice is tailored to each client’s business needs, ensuring full compliance with regulatory requirements and a smooth transition throughout the process.
Working in close collaboration with a trusted network of professionals, we support our clients from the initial planning stage to final registration—handling all documentation, communication with the relevant authorities, and post-registration formalities.
Our Services Include:
Legal advice on eligibility and suitability for redomiciliation
Preparation and review of statutory documentation
Liaison with regulatory authorities
Company registration and compliance support
Ongoing corporate and commercial legal consultancy
Ready to Redomicile? Let’s Talk.
If your company is considering a move to Malta, Asteria Advisory can help make the process efficient, compliant, and hassle-free.
📩 Contact Asteria Advisory today to learn more about our redomiciliation services and how we can support your corporate journey in Malta.
The Women in Aviation Malta (WIAM) is a team of experienced aviation ladies operating in the Maltese aviation industry . The organisation was founded by Ms Ruth Sawers.
Every month, members gather at an event where they network, exchange ideas and of course, socialise. On Friday 21st March, we attended our first WIAM event for 2025, hosted by Boston Link. The theme focussed very much on career development in the aviation industry. Rozina from the Garage gave an insightful presentation and involved participants in some thought-proviking tasks. Yuliia from Link Talent also shard some top tips for career seekers and employees alike.
Dr Geraldine Spiteri discusses some ideas on career development in aviation
Attendees explored the pre-conceptions that might affect career choices or progress. The meeting also explored breaking barriers to reach new career heights.
The aviation industry has long been male-dominated, but recent initiatives are driving greater female participation, particularly in business aviation. Breaking these long-standing perceptions is essential for fostering growth and creating a more inclusive workforce.
Organizations like WIAM are leading the way, providing career insights and advocating for equal opportunities for women in aviation to thrive and advance in their careers.
Expert Legal Solutions for Aircraft Owners and Business Aviation
Navigating the complexities of business aviation requires expert legal support. This is especially true for aircraft owners managing business jets and private jets.
Asteria Advisory specializes in aircraft registration, asset management, and regulatory compliance. We aim to ensure a seamless experience for our clients.
With expertise in luxury assets, we provide tailored legal solutions designed for clients seeking to protect and optimize their investment.
For more information, contact us and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
A few years ago, I gave a speech in an IMO International Maritime Institute (IMLI) discussion on women in the maritime industry. The IMLI Board of Studies had given me a scholarship to read my masters in 2006 (completion in 2007) so this seemed a good opportunity to give something back.
Today, I attended a similar-themed breakfast, She Leads the Seas. MaritimeMT, in Malta, organised this event as part of the MARMED project.
This get-together focused on the opportunities for women in the shipping industry.
MARMED
The MARMED project is a part of ERASMUS+. It aims to bridge the gap between the existing needs and the current skillset of Maritime Clusters Managers.
MARMED aims to look at upskilling of members of the industry. Other aims include:
Outlining an innovative professional profile for increased competitiveness of Maritime Clusters in the Mediterranean area; and
Overall, boosting innovation and sustainable growth in the Blue Economy sector.
THE EVENT
This in-person seminar included:
an outline of the project,
a discussion on the role of women in the maritime industry; and
a good overview of available opportunities.
Women are still widely under-represented in the maritime industry. Only 22% of the industry workers are female. There are many actions that the industry can take to change this balance.
The audience included IMLI students, various professionals and lecturers from the industry and officials from the Flag, Transport Malta.
Participants of the meeting also touched upon Women in Transport – EU Platform for change. The objective of this Platform, launched on 27 November 2017, is to strengthen women’s employment and equal opportunities for women and men in the transport sector through the actions brought about by the Platform members. It will also serve as a forum to discuss and exchange good practices.
REMEMBERING – INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR WOMEN IN SHIPPING
The Occupational Health & Safety Authority (OHSA) has recently issued a leaflet to outline the basic tenets of the new law. In case you missed it or are not in Malta, here are the key points.
Every worker counts and every worker can contribute to the safety and security of the place they work in. The main objectives of the new law are the following:
Protecting mental and physical health of workers across all sectors
Implementing stronger measures and mechanisms
Fostering a prevention culture among workers and employers alike
Key responsibilities:
Responsibilities of the OHSA
Allocating more resources to operate effectively
Enhancing skills and competences of its own workforce
Introducing new legal measures for rapid intervention in high-risk situations
Modernising operational procedures for more effective oversight
Health & Safety Responsible Officer – when neccessary to receive reports and investigate, ensuring access for workers to continuous support at the workplace
Conducting life consultations nationwide to ensure sectoral improvements.
Employer Liability
Risk and hazard identification
Assesment of impact of risks on workers’ health
Implementing necessary mesures to elimitate or control risks to workers’ health
Provide appropriate training and information to workers, based on their role
Ensuring competent supervision
Employees’ Responsibilities
Cooperate with employer & team
Proper use of equipment supplied
Reporting of hazards
Engaging in continuous training
Adopting correct behaviour that does not endanger the team and themselves.
The OHSA offers a helpline – 158 – for more information or any difficulties.
If you are an employer seeking to draft your policies and procedures from this perspective and require assistance, contact us for a consultation. We can provide assistance with preparing your handbooks, policies and procedures, or provide a review based on the size of your operation and workforce.
Why Travel Still Matters in Superyacht and Aircraft Advisory
At Asteria Advisory, travelling on business is more than a requirement. It’s a core part of how we deliver value to our clients. Whether attending yacht and aircraft shows, international expos, or industry summits, showing up in person remains a powerful tool for business growth. Here are my thoughts on the business behind the journey.
Staying Present in a Global Industry
My work revolves around two fast-paced, high-trust sectors: yachting and aviation. These industries thrive on relationships. While digital tools help us stay connected, there’s no substitute for face-to-face engagement. That’s why events like the Monaco Yacht Show or EBACE are more than just calendar items — they are vital touchpoints for business development.
Beyond the Booths
These events demand long days. Early morning panels often lead to back-to-back meetings, followed by networking dinners and receptions that run late into the evening. It’s tiring, yes — but it’s also where the real work happens.
Over coffee, cocktails, or casual conversations, ideas are exchanged. Trust is built. Opportunities are uncovered. Often, it’s not in the scheduled meeting but in the unscripted moments that collaborations begin.
Asteria on the Move
Since founding Asteria Advisory, I’ve continued this tradition of active presence — now as a solo practitioner. These trips are not just part of my routine. They are an intentional strategy to stay informed, build partnerships, and offer hands-on support to clients navigating ship registration, aircraft certification, and cross-border legal structures.
Travelling on business has great advantages – both personally and professionally.
Travel keeps Asteria connected — and it’s through these global interactions that we continue building bridges, one conversation at a time..
Here’s to more and more – networking, networking, networking.
With a proud maritime heritage and strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has steadily evolved into a strategic hub for ships and yachts. Malta is a leading jurisdiction for maritime investment and ship and yacht registration.
Known for its robust legal and regulatory framework, Malta’s maritime industry offers significant opportunities for international investors. This applies to local and international stakeholders alike, for both ships and yachts.
A Growing Force in Global Yachting and Shipping
Malta continues to enhance its reputation as a reliable and forward-looking maritime flag state. During the Superyacht Symposium that took place in July 2021, Transport Minister Dr. Aaron Farrugia launched the development of a National Superyacht Strategy. This initiative gives a clear signal that Malta intends to further elevate its standing in the global maritime industry.
Update – November 2023: the initiative was published by government and can be downloaded here.
Industry professionals called for improvements including infrastructure and marina services, corporate and legal frameworks supporting ownership. These efforts aim to position Malta as a top-tier jurisdiction for yacht registration and support services. The strategy covers everything – from hard-standing facilities to high-quality professional advisory.
International Interest at the Monaco Yacht Show
Malta’s presence at the Monaco Yacht Show drew substantial attention, with the Transport Malta stand buzzing with activity. Visitors from around the globe showed a strong interest in the advantages of the Malta. They included yacht brokers, charterers, and industry professionals looking at both commercial and private yachts.
The Malta Business Registry was also present in Monaco. This move emphasised the close integration of commercial ship operations and maritime corporate services under the Maltese system.
Over the last decade, promotion of Malta’s maritime industry has become even more important as a government priority.
Building a National Superyacht Strategy
In a follow-up meeting hosted at the Malta Chamber of Commerce, key stakeholders shared recommendations for shaping Malta’s National Superyacht Strategy. Topics included: modernising Transport Malta’s online platforms, banking access and developing a private yacht code.
The attendees’ suggestions will all form part of a national White Paper. The government will publish these proposals once the proposals are properly considered.
These collaborative initiatives will play a pivotal role in reinforcing Malta’s legal and regulatory environment for shipping and yachting — ensuring long-term competitiveness and regulatory clarity for investors, operators, and clients.
Malta on the European Stage
Further bolstering Malta’s profile, recent proposals by a Maltese MEP on maritime transport were adopted by theEuropean Parliament. This achievement underscores Malta’s active role in shaping maritime policy at the European level. It also reaffirms Malta’s ability to punch above its weight in a sector that continues to expand in both scale and complexity.
Conclusion: A Flag of Confidence
From ship registration to yachting advisory, from compliance management to infrastructure investment, Malta offers a powerful combination of expertise, international credibility, and commercial flexibility. With its EU membership, central Mediterranean location, and strong maritime tradition, Malta continues to position itself as a preferred jurisdiction for marine and shipping operations.
At Asteria Advisory, we support local and international clients with tailored legal and corporate services across the shipping and yachting sectors. Whether you’re setting up under the Malta flag, registering a vessel, or exploring new opportunities in maritime operations, we’re here to help.
👉 Get in touch to discuss how we can support your maritime venture or regulatory needs. 📩 Contact Us 📄 Download our latest factsheets on Ship & Yacht Registration in Malta from our Library.
A sanctioned Russian oligarch has won the right to use his yacht on the French Riviera. Rather, he has successfully challenged French customs due to a number of errors made in the procedure when they boarded the yacht.
Originally published in 2022, this article discusses the legal complexities around asset control and EU sanctions. As of 2025, such cases remain highly relevant in the evolving landscape of international law and yacht management.
The EU sanctions apply across EU member states. French customs authorities are reported to have failed to follow the correct procedures. The court ordered the release of the yacht.
Legal professionals from different parts of the world have argued that individuals facing such sanctions should succeed in these challenges. Assets are being seized without due process of law. Further, these seizures are taking effect without following any proper court process.
Clearly, there could be a deprivation of the right to one’s own property, without the proper court case to establish whether anyone has committed a crime.
These actions, merely on the basis that an individual has links to (in this case) the Russian government, appear to constitute a right about turn from the fundamental human right to property. This is arguable. The use of wealth to continue to back up the atrocities of war remains worrying. Sanctions of this type might be the only way to stop this practice.
Asteria Advisory’s services include ship & yacht registration, and management & representatation for yachts. We also provide legal support on a more general basis.
Act LX of 2021 introduces various amendments to the Companies Act, to take into account the EU’s Digitalisation Directive (which deals with electronic filings).
Additional duties are imposed on the Registrar of Companies and certain additional requirements are put into place for companies. Additional forms needed to be drawn up. The rules also provide for the appointment of directors and disqualification criteria.
A person applying to be appointed as director of a company is required to sign the Memorandum of the company or to submit a declaration in writing to show explicit consent to be appointed director and to declare whether they are aware of any circumstances that could lead to his or her disqualification, both under Maltese law and under any of the laws of other EU Member States.
Therefore, Form K has now been revamped. It includes a second part which a director uses to signify his or her consent to the appointment. Form K(1) is used for that declaration to be made when a director is being appointed for newly-formed companies.
These forms shall be accepted as of the 01 February 2022.
