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The Swiss Federal Council adopted a comprehensive reform package on May 27, 2026, aimed at strengthening Swiss shipping. The goal of these measures is to increase the attractiveness of the Swiss flag at sea and simplify the registration of ships. This initiative is part of a comprehensive revision of maritime legislation, implemented within the framework of the Federal Council’s maritime strategy and the „Package for the Competitiveness of the Swiss Economy.“
Regulatory Relief for Shipping
With these reforms, the Federal Council aims to establish a competitive and service-oriented quality flag. Initial steps were taken in 2025 by abolishing various restrictive registration requirements at the regulatory level. Further adjustments are now planned to improve the conditions for shipping.
A central component of the reform is the amendment of the Maritime Shipping Act. In its message dated November 12, 2025, the Federal Council proposed to Parliament to discontinue federal guarantees for deep-sea tonnage under the Swiss flag. This decision is based on the assessment that the added value for national supply is too low. Since the end of 2016, no new guarantees have been granted. The Federal Council now plans to abolish obsolete provisions that previously served national supply and the protection of the federal government’s financial interests. These include minimum capital requirements, extended auditing obligations, and administrative hurdles when leaving the Swiss flag. The abolition of these regulations is intended to provide regulatory relief for the affected companies.
Flexibility for Swiss Shipping Companies
Another important aspect of the reform concerns the Maritime Shipping Ordinance. Previously, only ships owned by Swiss companies and operated by Swiss shipping companies could sail under the Swiss flag. In the future, it will also be possible for a Swiss shipping company to fly the Swiss flag even if the owning company is based abroad. This change aims to facilitate modern financing models, particularly leasing and bank financing through foreign partners, and to provide Swiss shipping companies with more flexibility in designing their international business models.
Additionally, the digitization of international trade is taken into account. The Federal Council clarifies that the bill of lading, a document of title for goods, can also be maintained in electronic form in the future. This measure creates legal certainty and promotes the digitization of maritime trade and transport processes.
The changes to the Maritime Shipping Ordinance will come into effect on July 1, 2026. Together with the message regarding the amendment of the Maritime Shipping Act, they represent another step towards modernizing Swiss maritime legislation. Further adjustments are already in planning.
