The government has made strides to enhance the country’s superyacht registry by signing a significant agreement with a Swiss company.

This partnership, established through the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services (ADOMS), aims to promote and market the nation’s yacht registration services.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who also serves as the Minister Responsible for Merchant Shipping and Ship Registration, signed the agreement alongside Nazmi Topçuoğlu, Chief Executive Officer of FEMA Marine S.A.

The terms state that FEMA Marine S.A. will be responsible for promoting and expanding the international yacht registry within the Mediterranean for a duration of two years, starting from the effective date of March 18, 2025.

The contract is open to renewal based on mutually agreed terms.

During the agreement period, the government has committed to not appointing or involving any other entities in the Mediterranean region for yacht registration services.

Furthermore, FEMA Marine S.A. is authorized to establish and manage sub-branches in the Mediterranean as needed to fulfill the agreement’s objectives.

Nazmi Topçuoğlu, the Chairman of FEMA Marine S.A., brings a wealth of experience to the role.

As an accredited Marine Surveyor appointed by the Government of Malta and a qualified Helicopter Pilot, he is set to serve as the proposed Deputy Registrar and is identified as a key partner in developing yacht registration operations in both the Mediterranean and Turkey.

FEMA Marine S.A. is a well-established superyacht management firm based in Neuchatel, Switzerland, and boasts a team of highly skilled yacht surveyors who offer global services and expert guidance.

In addition, a business plan submitted by FEMA was positively received by ADOMS, outlining strategies for marketing yacht registration and providing operational support to both ADOMS and the government of Antigua and Barbuda.