INTERFLAG – Your Gateway to the
Madeira Ship Registry (MAR)

Register Your Vessel
under the Portuguese Flag
through MAR

Explore Our Services
Portuguese FlagEU Member State
MARMadeira International Ship Register
DGRMPortuguese Maritime Authority
Commercial RegistryOwnership & Mortgages
S.D.M.Sociedade de Desenvolvimento da Madeira

Why Portugal (MAR – Madeira)

MAR – the second Ship Register of Portugal

  • One Flag – Two Registries
  • High-Quality EU Flag
  • Commercial benefits (EU cabotage and Brazil)
  • Top Tier PSC performance in Paris MOU and USCG
  • Modern registry / electronic certificates
  • Electronic seafarers’ documentation
  • Multinational crews
  • Flexible corporate solutions
  • Part of IBC Madeira (International Business Centre)

Why Interflag

Making the registration process in Madeira simple, reliable and tailored to your needs

  • Licensed Local Vessel Registration Representative (required by law for non-resident owners)
  • Provider and facilitator of all services related to vessel registration, including:
    • Corporate status of shipowners
    • Applying for seafarer’s documents
    • Mortgage registration
    • Technical and administrative guidance and support
  • Personalized approach
  • Multinational teams of interdisciplinary experts focused on dedicated customer service
  • Hands-on assistance pre and post-registration

About INTERFLAG

MAR Registration Agent

Interflag, authorised by SDM, provides dedicated vessel registration services under the Portuguese flag through MAR, supporting shipowners, operators, managers and crews.

Interflag acts as an official local representative of non-resident registered owners before MAR and other relevant authorities (as provided for by Decree-Law No. 96/89).

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One-Stop Shop

As the multiple services and administrative functions’ provider, Interflag offers its clients compliance, centralisation, convenience and versatility.

We coordinate with the relevant authorities and entities, acting as your central point of contact.

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Our Mission

To deliver a trusted, efficient and transparent registration service, supporting shipowners and operators worldwide.

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Benefits Transferred to Owners

  • Compliance: full compliance with Portuguese laws and regulations with respect to vessel registration
  • Centralisation: customers can handle all or most of their needs in one stop rather than contacting multiple providers
  • Convenience: time, effort and travel savings
  • Optimisation: best registration structure tailored to the customer’s specific needs
  • Cost savings: reduced operational and admin expenses
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Selected Registration Services

Cargo ship sailing off the coast of Madeira

Provisional & Definitive Registration

Under Construction · Direct Newbuildings · Flag Transfers · Permanent Certificate of Registry

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Container ship underway

Temporary Registration

Initial bareboat-in registration · Initial bareboat-out registration

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Aerial view of a container ship

Post-Registration Services

Name Change · Re-registration / Change of Ownership · Change of Management · Bareboat Renewal · Cancellation of Vessel MAR Registry

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Madeira coastline

Yacht Registration

Registration of pleasure and commercial yachts

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Our Services

Vessel Registration

Preparation and coordination of all documentation and submissions required for vessel registration.

Seafarer Documentation

Support for submission and application of corresponding certificates through authorised service portals.

Corporate & Ownership

Guidance on corporate ownership, legal documentation and related administrative formalities.

Mortgage & Registry

Coordination of mortgage registration and related registry matters.

How the Process Works

  1. 1

    Initial Enquiry

    Tell us about your vessel and registration plans.

  2. 2

    Review & Documents

    We assess the vessel registration route and key documentation needed.

  3. 3

    Coordination with Portuguese Authorities

    We liaise with authorities and entities on your behalf.

  4. 4

    Submission & Follow-Up

    We coordinate submissions and follow up on progress.

  5. 5

    Registration Completion

    Your vessel is registered and operational under MAR.

Start your registration enquiry

Tell us about your vessel and registration plans. We will contact you to discuss the next steps.

Open Enquiry Form

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main benefits of registering a vessel with MAR?

MAR offers a high-quality EU flag with top-tier port state control performance, commercial benefits such as EU cabotage, modern electronic certificates and seafarer documentation, multinational crewing and flexible corporate solutions within the International Business Centre of Madeira.

What types of vessels can be registered under MAR?

MAR registers merchant vessels, including newbuildings and vessels under construction, as well as pleasure and commercial yachts. Contact us to confirm the best registration route for your vessel.

What is required to register a vessel under the Portuguese flag?

Requirements depend on the vessel and its ownership structure. Non-resident owners must appoint a local representative. We review your case and give you a tailored document checklist.

What is the difference between Full Registration and Bareboat Charter In under MAR?

Full registration records the vessel and its ownership in MAR. Bareboat charter-in registration lets a vessel chartered on bareboat terms fly the Portuguese flag for the charter period, while ownership remains recorded in its underlying registry.

Can a foreign company or non-Portuguese shipowner register a vessel under MAR?

Yes. Non-resident owners can register under MAR through a licensed local representative, which Portuguese law requires. Interflag acts in that role.

Can you assist with crew registration and certification?

Yes. We support the submission and application of seafarer documents and certificates through the authorised service portals.

Resources & Guides

View all resources

Maritime Administration

Planned resource

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Ready to register your vessel with MAR?

Get in touch today