Germany’s Hartmann Group has reflagged 18 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers to Portugal’s Madeira registry following recent tax changes in Germany. The move, reported this week, affects most of the group’s gas fleet segment and includes one newbuilding.
According to the German trade press, the total gross tonnage of the reflagged ships is about 250,000.
The vessels are now registered under the Portuguese International Ship Registry in Madeira (MAR), an EU flag that has become increasingly popular among owners seeking competitive costs and administrative efficiency.
Vessel data show that individual Hartmann ships, including the ethylene carrier GasChem Baltic, now sail under the Portuguese flag with Madeira listed as the port of registry.
Hartmann, headquartered in Leer, Germany, is recognized in the gas shipping sector through its GasChem-branded fleet of fully refrigerated, semi-refrigerated and pressurised carriers.
The group is in the midst of a multi-year expansion program covering 20 gas-carrier deliveries between 2023 and 2028, ranging from 7,200 to 40,000 cubic metres and fitted with dual-fuel engines.
Recent additions include mid-size /LPG units and smaller ethylene carriers below 12,000 cbm.
The Hartmann Group is a privately held maritime company headquartered in Leer, Germany. Established by Captain Alfred Hartmann, it manages a diversified fleet that includes gas carriers, container vessels, bulkers and other ship types. The group operates internationally through a network of subsidiaries and joint ventures, providing ship management, crewing, and technical services.
Portuguese International Ship Registry (MAR) is the ship registry operating under the jurisdiction of Portugal, based in Madeira. It functions as part of the Madeira International Business Centre, offering EU-flag status combined with a distinct tax and administrative regime designed to attract shipowners seeking operational and fiscal advantages within the European Union framework.
