Honduras Ship Registration
Shipowners can efficiently register their vessels under the Honduran flag, benefiting from its international recognition and favorable maritime regulations.
Registering a ship under the Honduras flag offers several advantages, making it a strategic choice for maritime operations. Key benefits include (a) Honduras’s efforts to improve safety and compliance standards, aiming for recognition on international White Lists, (b) competitive registration and tonnage tax rates, (c) a favorable regulatory environment with no restrictions on ship ownership or crew nationality, and (d) no tax on profits from the operation of a Honduras-registered vessel. Additionally, Honduras provides efficient administrative services, a supportive legal framework, and flexible registration options, enhancing operational efficiency and reliability for shipowners (Paris MOU) (Tokyo MOU)
Facts & Info about: Honduras Ship Registration
- Ownership: Ships must be owned by Honduran individuals or companies. Foreign entities can also own ships through a Honduran company.
- Company Formation: The owning company must be registered in Honduras.
- Directorship: No specific residency requirements for directors.
- Resident Agent: Not required.
- Office Address: The company must have a registered office in Honduras.
- Annual Maintenance: Annual tonnage tax and maintenance fees must be paid.
- Inspections: Regular safety and compliance inspections as mandated by the Honduras International Ship Registry (HISR).
- Financial Statements: Not explicitly required.
- Tonnage Tax System: Tax is based on the ship's net tonnage rather than its profits.
- Income Exemptions: No tax on profits from the operation or management of a Honduras-registered vessel.
- Capital Gains: No capital gains tax on the sale or transfer of a Honduras-registered vessel or the shares of a shipping company.
- Registration Process: The registration process is typically swift, taking a few days.
- Honduran Maritime Code:Governs the registration, sales, and mortgages of ships in Honduras.
- Tonnage Tax Law: Regulates the taxation system based on tonnage rather than profits.
- Flag State Control: Honduras ensures compliance with international maritime regulations and maintains high standards of safety, security, and environmental protection.
- Reputation: Honduras is working towards improving its status on international MoU lists.
- Support Services: Honduras offers comprehensive maritime services including management, legal, and logistical support.
- Strategic Location: Attractive due to its favorable regulatory environment.