The Madeira International Shipping Register (MAR) has recently registered two unprecedented vessels under the Portuguese flag, strengthening the country's position among Europe's fastest-growing maritime registries. Among the new additions is the 'Olympus', the first Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) to be inscribed in MAR. This tanker, exceeding 300,000 deadweight tons and built in 2023, enables the Portuguese flag to now cover the full spectrum of commercial vessels, including the largest crude oil carriers.
Furthermore, MAR has registered the 'Northern Purpose', the first liquefied carbon dioxide (LCO₂) transport vessel under the Portuguese flag. This vessel, belonging to the Bernhard Schulte group, is linked to the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) chains and employs emission-reducing technologies such as dual-fuel LNG propulsion and wind-assisted sailing.
The Madeira Development Society (SDM) emphasizes that these registrations reflect the confidence of international shipowners and the capacity to attract technologically advanced vessels, contributing to the Portuguese flag being one of the fastest-growing within the European Union.
