Asteria Advisory will be attending the Palma International Boat Show 2025 from April 29, joining industry leaders and professionals for one of the most anticipated events in the yachting calendar.
This year’s show is particularly significant for Asteria, marking the official relaunch of its brand within the superyacht sector. As the Mediterranean charter season begins, Asteria is re-entering the maritime space with renewed focus, expanded services, and a clear commitment to supporting clients in the operation, management, and legal oversight of high-value assets.
The Palma show provides an ideal platform for networking, exploring new developments in yacht regulation and technology, and strengthening connections with collaborators and clients across the industry. It is always part of our priority to talk to our counterparts and colleagues in person. It keeps Asteria’s personal touch in the work we do. That is why we love to attend shows and in-person meetings in a time when technology has completely coverted how people connect.
While the team may be slightly slower to respond during this period, Asteria will return with fresh insights, new opportunities, and exciting news to share.
To connect during the Palma International Boat Show 2025, please get in touch.
Geraldine is attending the Palma International Boat Show
The Merchant Shipping (Maritime Labour Convention) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 have now come into force, implementing important changes to the rights and welfare of seafarers under Maltese law. These amendments transpose the 2022 updates to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), 2006, as adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The updated rules reflect Malta’s continued alignment with international maritime standards, ensuring that ships flying the Maltese flag meet the evolving expectations of the global shipping industry when it comes to the working and living conditions of seafarers.
Key Areas of Amendment
The new rules introduce practical improvements in several key areas, including:
Seafarers’ welfare: Seafarers are now entitled to shore-based welfare services without cost, regardless of nationality or religious beliefs.
Entitlement to food and drinking water: These provisions now extend to all seafarers on board, with improved requirements regarding quality, quantity, and variety of meals.
Repatriation procedures: Ships must now provide clear information onboard about repatriation rights and procedures, helping seafarers understand their entitlements.
Social connectivity at sea: The amendments stress the importance of improving onboard internet access for seafarers, in line with modern expectations. While cost management is still a factor, shipowners are expected to provide access where reasonably practicable.
Medical care: Enhanced obligations are introduced to ensure prompt access to medical care ashore when needed, with additional protections for seafarers who fall ill or are injured in the course of service.
Deaths of seafarers: New rules provide that the next of kin must be promptly notified and offered counselling or support services where available. Shipowners are also required to make reasonable efforts to manage and repatriate the deceased’s body, unless otherwise requested.
Malta’s Commitment to High Standards
By enacting these changes through Legal Notice 96 of 2025, Malta continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the rights of seafarers and promoting decent working conditions onboard vessels under its flag. The updated rules also reinforce Malta’s strong position in the international maritime community.
Shipping companies and operators are advised to review their current policies, employment contracts, and onboard procedures to ensure compliance with the new obligations.
Asteria Advisory is available to assist with contract drafting and reviews or updates. We are happy to provide guidance on how best to implement these changes operationally. Contact us if you have queries about seafarers’ employment terms or wish to review your seafarers’ work conditions.
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 technology is fast becoming a driver in business operations
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.
Asteria Advisory is pleased to announce its official launch as a boutique legal practice. Areas of specialisation include marine and aviation law, as well as tailored commercial legal services. With a commitment to Building Bridges, Asteria Advisory connects clients with the legal solutions, industry professionals, and opportunities necessary for success.
Asteria Advisory was formerly operated as a corporate services provider under the name of Asteria Management Limited, which is no longer in existence.
The firm is managed by Dr Geraldine Spiteri, founder, who is also a Malta-warranted advocate of 20 years’ standing.
Legal Solutions That Move Your Business Forward
With a strong focus on the maritime and aviation law sectors, Asteria Advisory provides expert legal guidance in ship, yacht and aircraft registration, asset management, regulatory compliance, and business setup. Whether working with shipowners, operators, investors, or aviation professionals, or helping the yacht or jet owner to manage the needs of these highly specialised assets, we ensure a seamless and efficient approach to navigating complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
We also provide general legal, advisory and consultancy services to businesses.
📅 Official launch: March 28, 2025—a strategic date chosen to mark a new chapter of growth and opportunity.
Clients and industry professionals are invited to connect and explore how Asteria Advisory can provide expert guidance in the marine and aviation sectors.
🔹 For inquiries: Speak to Dr Geraldine Spiteri – gs@asteria.mt – or use our Contact form.
🔹 For Updates: We will continue to update our news feed with posts of interest.
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.
Asteria Advisory is pleased to announce its participation in the 14th Annual Mediterranean Business Aviation Conference (MBAC).
The event will be hosted by Aeropodium in Malta on March 28th, 2025. It will be held at the Grand Excelsior Hotel. Participants will have the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals.
This prestigious conference brings together industry leaders, legal experts and key stakeholders in the aviation sector. Discussion panels will discuss the latest trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities shaping the industry.
The MBAC is designed for manufacturers, operators, and industry organisations. The agenda includes robust discussions, analysis of the latest developments, exploration of the regional air taxi market, scrutiny of diverse business models and insights into regional infrastructure advancements.
Asteria Advisory is committed to staying at the forefront of industry developments. Our mission is Building Bridges – fostering valuable connections and providing clients with cutting-edge legal insights.
Asteria’s founder, Dr Geraldine Spiteri, will be moderating the discussions. Expert speakers from well-established and experienced professional backgrounds have confirmed their participation.
📍 Event Details: 📅 Date: March 28,2025 📌 Location: Malta – The Embassy Hotel. Valletta. 🎤 Hosted by: Aeropodium
For those wishing to attend the conference, you may book online.
🔹 For inquiries or to schedule a meeting: head over to our Contact Page. 🔹 Learn more about the conference:click here.
Stay tuned for insights and key takeaways from the event!
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.
