About Us

Why VesselStatement.com Was Founded

In 2018, the EU Commission decreed that a sharper definition of seagoing vessels eligible for 0% VAT was necessary. This was due to situations in EU member states where 0% tax deliveries had been applied too broadly. This was followed by court rulings.

Since then, ship operators, ship owners, and managers — as well as suppliers of goods and services in European ports — are obliged to have a written form stating the nature of the applicable 0% VAT status of the cargo vessels.

Legal Background

Where a "ship stores in transit" designation had traditionally been sufficient for 0% VAT deliveries and VAT-free invoices, ship suppliers and operators are now forced to provide a written statement indicating the basis of VAT exemption. VAT status must be proven with criteria that may be supported by AIS data or the ship's log.

This exposes both operators and suppliers within the EU to prosecution and serious financial penalties. The statement is subject to annual updating, adding repetitive administrative burdens while the vessel's VAT status often does not change.

As EU member states attempt to streamline enforcement, some tax authorities have already issued new rules in line with EU court rulings. Vesselstatement.com was created to help mitigate these risks while minimizing the administrative burden.

Since the first ruling, subsequent rulings and fines have followed. Shipowner associations and maritime technology suppliers in several countries have engaged their governments on these issues.

Vessel Statement Requirements

According to the Dutch tax authority, vessel statements must meet the following minimum requirements:

Are form-free, but must contain minimum information
Must be updated every calendar year
Must be signed by an authorized representative
Can be issued per vessel or for the entire fleet
Must identify the ship operator by name
Must state the method used to calculate the 70% seagoing criterion

It is our view that if such a statement prevents financial and legal liabilities, it is better to be safe rather than sorry.

Our Mission

VesselStatement.com seeks to alleviate shipowners, managers, operators, and suppliers from this yearly requirement, allowing them to focus on their core business.

Ship owners, operators, managers, and suppliers can sign up here. We aim to support the maritime industry in all European ports.

Watch Our Introduction

Learn more about why VesselStatement.com was created and how it helps your business stay compliant.

In this short video we explain the EU regulation background, what information a vessel statement must contain, and how our platform simplifies the annual renewal process for ship operators and port suppliers across Europe.

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