The owners of Germany's biggest cruise ship have drawn criticism after deciding to switch to the Maltese maritime flag.

Deilmann has decided that Deutschland, Germany's best know cruise ship, will switch to the Maltese flag next month. It is the last German-owned cruise ship still flying the German flag.

Hans-Joachim Otto, the German government's maritime co-ordinator admitted that he was worried by the announcement.

Lloyd's List said the decision had raised 'outrage' in German shipping circles.  

The owners have defended their decision, saying their purpose was to save money and invest it in product development. 

German trade union Verdi also criticised the registry switch and has threatened protests, seeing the move was intended to save on crew costs, a claim which  Deilmann has denied. 

Malta's shipping register is the biggest in the EU.

 

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