A Register of Shipping Search confirms the registered ownership, mortgages, charges, and technical particulars of Irish-registered vessels. This search is essential when purchasing, financing, or investigating title to a registered ship or marine vessel in Ireland.
Ellis & Ellis conducts searches against the General Register of Ships maintained by the Marine Survey Office (MSO) under the Irish Maritime Administration. Our reports assist solicitors, lenders, marine professionals, and commercial clients in establishing clean and marketable title to registered vessels.
Ellis & Ellis Register of Shipping Searches are conducted against the Irish General Register of Ships and may include:
Comprehensive vessel particulars may include:
Additional services:
Unlike ordinary moveable goods, registered vessels are “titled” property under the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Ships) Act 2014. Ownership transfers must be formally recorded through a bill of sale and entered onto the official Register.
A Register of Shipping Search enables solicitors and purchasers to:
Where funding is involved, lenders require good and marketable title. A current transcript of the register is therefore central to marine conveyancing.
Learn more about Register of Shipping Searches with our expert explainer.
Use this search if your client is:
Request a Register of Shipping Search through the Ellis & Ellis client portal, or contact our team for guidance on vessel identification details and transcript requirements.
What is the Register of Shipping?
It is the official Irish register of vessels maintained by the Marine Survey Office under the Irish Maritime Administration.
Why is a shipping search necessary?
To confirm ownership, identify mortgages or charges, and ensure clean title before purchase or financing.
What information is required to conduct a search?
At minimum, the vessel name and official number. The port of registry is also helpful.
What is a Transcript of Register?
An official record showing ownership history, mortgages, and vessel particulars.
Can marine mortgages affect ownership transfer?
Yes. A mortgage must be discharged before ownership can be updated on the register.
Are fishing vessels treated differently?
Additional licensing and regulatory considerations may apply, including BIM grants and sector-specific requirements.
Can searches be conducted outside Ireland?
Yes. Searches against foreign shipping registers are available upon request.
Why use Ellis & Ellis?
Over 136 years of legal search expertise, specialist maritime register knowledge, certified reporting, and €10 million Professional Indemnity Cover.
