May 26
by admin in Coronavirus 0 comments

Spain opens to worldwide vaccinated visitors from 7-Jun, relaxes criteria for European travel

Restrictions eliminated for travellers vaccinated with EMA/WHO-approved vaccines Antigen tests now accepted coming from EU/EEA countries Expiry time of valid tests reduced to 48 hours before arrival Spain is now open to visitors from worldwide areas, provided they have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks with an EMA- or WHO-approved vaccine, according to an official government bulletin ‘BOE’ released at the weekend. Minors travelling with vaccinated adults may also arrive in Spain, though do require a negative COVID test and must, like adults, complete a Passenger Locator Form. Children under 6 years are exempt from testing and locator form. Exceptions are visitors from South Africa, Brazil and India, who remain barred from entry, regardless of vaccinated status or testing. For visitors from within the EU/EEA area, Spain now accepts either a NAAT test or an antigen test, though the validity of such test results is reduced to 48 hours, down from 72 hours, from the time of issue. Visitors from this area with a valid COVID-recovered certificate are also accepted for arrival in Spain. A COVID recovery certificate is also accepted for arrivals from the EU/EEA area. Vaccination certificate Accepted vaccination certificates are issued by the authorities of […]
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May 26
by admin in Events, Marketing Opportunities, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

ESTELA Captains’ Dinner at the Museum   Thursday, 3rd June

On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show, ESTELA is hosting the first “Captains’ Dinner at the Museum”. This exclusive invitation-only event is for captains and senior officers only. Invitations have gone out, but if we have missed you, we may not have up-to-date contact details for you, so please get in touch! Call us on +34 638 81 68 03 or email dinner@estelayachting.com
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May 26
by admin in Events, Marketing Opportunities, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

ESTELA Breakfast Seminars at the Palma Superyacht Show, 2021

On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show, ESTELA is pleased to invite you to aseries of free breakfast seminars on Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning. Come and join us for a pre-Show breakfast and listen to panel discussions on topics that we are regularly asked about by captains and crew. Not only are these events designed as a great way to start the day and meet up with friends and colleagues, but hopefully the conversation will be informative too! These seminars are invitation-only and guests must register* via the dedicated Eventbrite page for each event. Programme Captains’ Breakfast SeminarFriday, 4th June, 09:00-10:30h Chartering in Spain, VAT, Temporary Admission and TPAMiguel Angel Serra, Partner, Albors Galiano Portales SLPAlex Chumillas Amat, Director, Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SLLuis Ayala Navarro, Director, Autoridad Portuaria de MelillaCristina Martinez, Yacht Projects SL Book your place here: http://bit.ly/estelacaptainsbreakfast1 Captains’ Breakfast SeminarSaturday 5th June, 09:00-10:30hBrexit effect on tax, licensing, certification, importation and immigration Miguel Angel Serra, Albors Galiano Portales SLPAlex Chumillas Amat, Tax Marine & Aviation Spain SLJaime Moranta, Agencia Moranta SAKristy Hollingsworth, Estela Shipping Palma SA Book your place here: http://bit.ly/estelacaptainsbreakfast2 Yacht Crew Breakfast SeminarSunday 6th June, 09:00-10:30h Personal finance for seafarers; opportunities in banking, insurance, […]
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May 13
by admin in Events, Marketing Opportunities 0 comments

ESTELA events at the Palma Superyacht Show, June 3-6

It’s three weeks to go until the Palma Superyacht Show opens its doors! The excitement here is palpable, as hotels and hospitality have reopened and the Show itself is under construction. Spain’s vaccination programme has gathered pace and life is gradually returning to normal, so we hope to see you here. Aside from our usual (or unusual) stand at the Show, we have a programme of new side events this year: Friday, 4th June, 09:00-10:30h – Captains’ Breakfast Seminar:Chartering in Spain, VAT, Temporary Admission and TPA Saturday 5th June, 09:00-10:30h – Captains’ Breakfast Seminar:Brexit effect on tax, licensing, certification, importation and immigration Sunday 6th June, 09:00-10:30h – Yacht Crew Breakfast Seminar:Personal finance for seafarers; opportunities in banking, insurance, mortgages, investing and tax planning for expats and nomads Thursday, 3rd June, 19:30hESTELA Captains’ Dinner at the Museum Our usual cocktail party on the occasion of the Show becomes a private, seated dinner for captains and clients, to be held in an exclusive private venue in Palma. If you are going to be in town and would like to receive an invitation, please drop an email to palma@superyachts.agency These events are only possible with the kind cooperation of sponsors and partners. If […]
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Apr 28
by admin in Coronavirus, Law and Regulations 0 comments

Hospitality restrictions eased in the Balearics

The Balearic Government has introduced new de-escalation measures, in effect now:● Night-time curfew now starts one hour later, at 23:00h, until 06:00h● Outdoor bar/restaurant terraces may open Mon-Thu from 20:00h until 22:30h● Mixing of households is now permitted without limitation, though overall restrictions on group/table sizes remain● Shopping centres may reopen on Sundays and bank holidays Please see below the latest situation in Spain, specifically the Balearic Islands:● No yacht restrictions, subject to arrival health declarations and PCR tests (<72 hrs)● All Spanish waters are open for cruising and recreation as normal● Hospitality is open on terraces until 17:00pm (and from 20:00-22:30h on Monday-Thursday only)● Curfew from 23:00 to 06:00h● Groups ashore may be no more than 6 anywhere, while max people per dinner/bar table is 4 persons● Limit on board is ten guests, plus crew. No limits now on household mixing.● Shops are open 7 days, with some capacity restrictions and closing at 21:00pm for non-essential items● Arrivals by air from South Africa and Brazil, including crew, must quarantine for 10 days, or release after 7 days with PCR● Non-Schengen tourism is not allowed, with some exceptions (incl Australia, NZ, China/HK, S. Korea)● We are aware that owners/guests on private flights have arrived successfully from outside […]
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Apr 28
by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

16 Reasons to cruise the Balearics this season

Being located in Palma de Mallorca, we’ll always be the first to promote the virtues of the Balearic Islands. But with many popular yacht destinations subject to restrictions and the Mediterranean season looming into view, let us make a case why the Balearics should be at the top of your list this summer… © The Aviation Centre www.theaviationcentre.com 1 Carry on cruising The islands are open to private and commercial yachts of any flag. Yachts are able to arrive into Spanish waters and can cruise as normal with up to ten guests on board. 2 Hospitality is open Yes, restrictions remain, to keep everybody safe, but restaurants, cafés, salons, spas, shops, markets and public spaces are all open to be enjoyed. 3 Mother nature Our waters and coastline have enjoyed their enforced rest over the past year. Our natural assets have been revitalised and our waters are looking clearer than ever. 4 the best of everything Whether it’s the finest ingredients you need, or specialist supplies and support, Mallorca is more than a naturally stunning destination. Our backyard has everything the chef, crew and engineer need. 5 World class medical care Never before has medical support been at the forefront […]
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Apr 28
by admin in Coronavirus, Safety on board 0 comments

Carry out rapid, reliable PCR testing on board!

The world’s first fully-automated PCR test analyser from Bosch is now available to order from ESTELA.Operating on the ‘Vivalytic’ platform from Bosch Healthcare Solutions, the device returns accurate PCR test results in just 39 minutes. Swabs are inserted into a cartridge containing all the required reagents and the machine does the rest. With an accuracy of over 95%, Vivalytic meets the quality standards of the World Health Organization. Tests have a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%. The world’s first fully-automated PCR test analyser from Bosch is now available to order from ESTELA.Operating on the ‘Vivalytic’ platform from Bosch Healthcare Solutions, the device returns accurate PCR test results in just 39 minutes. Swabs are inserted into a cartridge containing all the required reagents and the machine does the rest. With an accuracy of over 95%, Vivalytic meets the quality standards of the World Health Organization. Tests have a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%. The world’s first fully-automated PCR test analyser from Bosch is now available to order from ESTELA.Operating on the ‘Vivalytic’ platform from Bosch Healthcare Solutions, the device returns accurate PCR test results in just 39 minutes. Swabs are inserted into a cartridge containing all the required reagents and the machine does the rest.With an accuracy of […]
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Apr 28
by admin in Events, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

ESTELA Captains’ Breakfast at the Palma Superyacht Show, June 3-6, 2021

On the occasion of the Palma Superyacht Show, ESTELA will be hosting two free, invitation-only breakfast seminars at a neighbouring venue. Aside from an agreeable way to start the day and meet up with friends and colleagues, we will host brief presentations and Q&A on topical issues affecting the superyacht industry. Suggested topics of interest include: Chartering in Spain (licensing, VAT and regulations); Brexit effects on yachting (VAT, RYA, employment, travel, taxation, goods importation, flag state issues); COVID challenges and best practice on board. If you have a suggestion for a topic you would like to learn more about from a relevant expert, please tell us at palma@estelashipping.net If your organisation is interested in sponsoring the event and any other of our activities around the Palma Superyacht Show, please contact francesco.gennai@estelashipping.net or telephone +34 638 81 68 03.
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Apr 28
by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

On-Board Health Control Certificate (SSC) now required for all yachts over 400GT

First announced last October, in the Balearics an On-Board Health Control Certificate (SSC) is now a requirement for all yachts over 400GT, private or commercial. Previously, the threshold stood at 500GT.Yachts below 400GT are exempt, though it may be advisable — particularly for charter yachts — to certify that the vessel complies with WHO sanitary standards.The SSC covers items such as air, water, aircon, oil and waste systems, medical facilities, food sanitation and bathing facilities. Vessels over 400GT must be able to present a valid SSC to Sanidad, logged on the SHIPSAN platform. For any queries or to arrange your inspection, please contact us onpalma@estelashipping.net
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Apr 16
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support 0 comments

COVID vaccinations

We receive many calls from captains and crew, asking about COVID vaccinations. There is no vaccination-on-demand available anywhere in the world that we are aware of, except the UAE and Russia. The UN’s ILO and IMO agencies, as well as various maritime unions and organisations, are pressuring governments to make vaccinations a priority for displaced seafarers. There is, as yet, no framework in place to make this a reality, so we await further news. For information about the vaccine roll-out in the Balearics, please visit https://www.ibsalut.es/es/es-vacuna-covid-19. Gibraltar has one of the world’s most advanced vaccination programmes and we have asked the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) whether any provision had been made for seafarers transiting through its port. The GHA referred us to its online COVID ‘vaccination interest’ form, which you can complete here: https://www.gha.gi/covid-19-vaccination-interest-form/. There is no indication that vaccination will be made available to non-residents, though given the success of Gibraltar’s roll-out, strong demand may help to persuade authorities to prioritise seafarers.
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Apr 16
by admin in SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Order toiletries and consumables from the UK?

Creams, lotions and other toiletries are considered pharmaceutical products in Spain and can only be imported from outside the EU by licensed medical agencies. If you have previously ordered dermatological or toiletry products directly from UK suppliers, please note that these will now be intercepted and returned by customs, or destroyed. To avoid problems with importation of pharmaceuticals from the UK, please order via the likes of Amazon.co.uk (not third parties on the platform), as these still appear to arrive unhindered. However, please check shipment terms before ordering. Better still; if your products are available from eg. Amazon.de/.es/.fr, order from there instead, to ensure smooth delivery. A handy tool is https://euzon.eu/, which enables you to search all of Amazon’s European sites in one go. If we can help you source anything, please contact us: palma@estelashipping.net
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Apr 15
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Need a PCR test in the UK? Get a home test kit from Randox for just £60!

Travelling to or from the UK and need to obtain a PCR test? Courtesy of ESTELA SHIPPING, yacht crew can now get 50% off home test kits from the UK’s largest test provider, RANDOX. The full price of the kit is £120, but apply code ‘estela’ to reduce the price to only £60! For more information and to order your kit, visit https://www.randoxhealth.com/covid-19-home-testing-kit/. At checkout, simply enter the code estela to receive the discounted price.  Please feel free to share this post with any friends, family or colleagues in need of a test.
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Apr 15
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations 0 comments

UK removes COVID testing exemption for seafarers

Since April 6th, seafarers arriving in the UK and staying more than two days have been obliged to undergo rapid ‘lateral flow’ tests during their stay. While remaining exempt from the 10-day quarantine/self-isolation rules that apply to other travellers, crew must submit tests on Day 2 and Day 8 after entering the UK. Tests can be carried out and submitted in a variety of ways. A list of Government-approved test providers is here.  Seafarers must also complete a passenger locator form prior to flying to the UK. While a pre-travel (PCR) test is not essential according to the current rules, we recommend taking a voluntary test for your personal reassurance and to avoid any confusion with check-in staff unfamiliar with the rules. Seafarers remain exempt from having to complete a travel declaration form to depart from the UK. The UK government website for COVID travel regulations is here, though the wording could be an awful lot clearer: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules/coronavirus-covid-19-travellers-exempt-from-uk-border-rules#seamen-and-masters-and-inspectors-and-surveyors-of-ships If you have any queries, please contact us.
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Mar 25
by admin in TAX & VAT 0 comments

Latest fiscal amendments with impact on the superyacht chartering season 2021 in the Mediterranean

The below is a summary of the most relevant fiscal amendments with effect on the superyacht chartering activity in the Mediterranean in 2021: France: The new situation for summer season 2021 is that full VAT rate – 20% – will be charged for time spent in EU waters. Only the part of the journey taking place in international waters will be exempt from VAT. Italy: As in France, the new law will be applicable to all charters starting in Italy and/or outside EU territory and entering into Italy will be subject to ordinary VAT rate of 22%, except on the part of the journey taking place in international waters, which will be exempt from VAT. Spain: Charters starting in Spain are subject to 21% without any reductions. On the other hand charters starting outside the EU VAT area are subject to Spanish VAT for the part of the journey taking place in Spain VAT territory, however from January 1st 2021, they will be exempt of VAT if starting in any of the following Spanish special territories: Melilla, Ceuta and the Canary Islands. Greece: Greek standard VAT rate is 24%, with a potential reduction on the part of the journey taking […]
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Mar 25
by admin in Law and Regulations, what's on 0 comments

Balearic Islands ban single-use plastic

A ban on disposable plastics in the Balearics came into force this month. The sale, distribution and use of disposable plastic products is now prohibited, such as non-recyclable coffee capsules, plates, cutlery, cups, trays, drinking straws, disposable wipes and rings for holding together drinks cans. Some single-use items are still permitted and will be for as long as the current state of alarm lasts.
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Mar 25
by admin in Crew Assistance & Support, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

Global Airfreight Forwarding by ESTELA Shipping

As the ESTELA Shipping name suggests, we provide worldwide freight forwarding services. But did you know we also do airfreight? Whether it is delivering spare parts to berthed or anchored vessels, or the return of spare parts, we can arrange for transportation and documentation. We also offer global end-to-end large cargo services, from Full Container Load (FCL), Less than Container Load (LCL) to Airfreight, completing all import/export formalities along the way. ESTELA handles special customs operations, including bonded and free warehouse storage and distribution, as well as temporary imports. Contact us for freight forwarding at: ESTELA Barcelona              forwarding.bcn@estelashipping.net ESTELA Palma    forwarding.pmi@estelashipping.net
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Mar 25
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Itineraries, Law and Regulations 0 comments

Easter COVID rules/regs around the Med

SPAIN No yacht restrictions, subject to health declarations and PCR tests (<72 hrs) Hospitality is open only on terraces, until 5pm Groups may be no more than 6, from no more than two households, including on board Shops are open, with some capacity restrictions and closing at 8pm for non-essential items Arrivals by air from South Africa and Brazil, including crew, must quarantine for 10 days, or release after 7 days with PCR Non-Schengen tourism is not allowed, with some exceptions (incl Australia, NZ, China/HK, S. Korea) Curfew at 10pm ITALY Restrictions depend on colour classification (white, yellow, orange, red), though for the Easter period (Apr 3-6) the entire country is declared a RED zone No cruising permitted and crew may only disembark for essential shopping and medical reasons On shore, hospitality may open until 6pm, with curfew from 10pm Crew arriving from the Schengen area are not obliged to quarantine, but a PCR test (<48hrs) is required. A maritime health declaration is required for all yachts arriving from other countries Widespread speculation of this ‘red zone’ period being brought forward to March 28th FRANCE, CORSICA & MONACO Non-European flagged yachts may not enter or anchor in French waters Arrivals […]
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Mar 03
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations 0 comments

Spain introduces 10-day quarantine for arrivals from South Africa

With effect from 8th March 2021, all arrivals from South Africa in Spain will be required to quarantine for 10 days following arrival. Please note that seafarers are NOT exempt from this requirement, though are permitted to self-isolate on board. Quarantine must be spent at a designated accommodation, restricting movements and outside contact only to essential activities (eg. shopping for food, pharmaceuticals and essentials; visiting health services; causes of force majeure or emergency). You are advised to obtain an agent’s letter for your arrival, detailing where your quarantine will be spent. Health authorities may carry out inspections to ensure compliance, so you are advised to retain receipts or documentation to justify any movement from your quarantine accommodation. Arrivals may be released after providing a negative COVID test result, taken after 7 days of quarantine. Accepted tests are RT-PCR or other tests based on equivalent molecular techniques, as well as antigen tests that have a minimum yield of ≥ 90% sensitivity and ≥ 97% specificity. The quarantine requirement will initially be in force for arrivals from 00:00h on 8/3/21 until 23:59h on 21/3/21, though may be extended before the end of this period.
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Mar 02
by admin in Coronavirus, Crew Assistance & Support, Law and Regulations, SUPERYACHT AGENCY 0 comments

OFFICIAL travel information sources for crew (and non-crew)

Global travel eligibility checker: https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/#(note that all airlines’ policy is guided by IATA)Travel to Spain, general:For general travel to Spain: https://reopen.europa.eu/en/map/ESP/7001Spain health declaration: https://www.spth.gob.es/Balearic health declaration: https://viajarabaleares.ibsalut.es/formulario/Travel to Spain from the UK (any nationality):Spain/UK travel ban (in force until 31-Mar): https://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2021/01/01/pdfs/BOE-A-2021-1.pdf(note that crew joining vessels are exempt, subject to requisite docs)UK government COVID travel guidance for Spain: https://www.gov.uk/foreign…/spain/entry-requirementsBREXIT: NOTICE FOR BRITISH CREW IN SPAINPlease note the following stamping requirements, issued by Spanish immigration police today:Active British crew members already appearing on a crew list DO NOT need to visit immigration to stamp on board and out of Spain. Only when they leave the vessel either temporarily or permanently, must the crew list be updated with the authorities and passports stamped.Non-active crew members currently in Spain, not appearing on any crew list, ARE NOT required to have their passports stamped, until they join a vessel.In summary, any change in crew list involving British crew, requires a stamp*. A representative can visit immigration on crew’s behalf; they are not required to attend in person.*Except official residents of SpainSpain’s UK Travel Ban Excludes SeafarersA new BOE was issued on 1st Jan by the Spanish government, stating that crew are now exempt from the […]
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Feb 17
by admin in Charter & Brokerage, Coronavirus, Law and Regulations, Melilla 0 comments

Clearing out of TA without COVID hassles

Many non-EU flagged yachts in the Mediterranean complete an 18-monthly ‘VAT dash’ to Algeria, to clear out of the EU zone ahead of their TA deadline. This year, the clearance dash has been complicated by restricted movements of both yachts and crew, while UK-flagged vessels are having to plan around this for the first time. We have been advising clients to ‘clear out’ in Melilla instead. This can mean a longer sailing, but the extra time and fuel consumed is offset by the lack of any PCR testing and/or quarantine requirement if coming from and returning to other Spanish ports. Melilla is Spanish territory, obviating the need to complete immigration clearance. Upon arrival, authorities in Melilla will provide a recognised Customs Authorities Certificate, while captains can be sure that there are no unexpected ‘shake-downs’ or on-board inspections. Fees are transparent, while security and port facilities are of the highest standard. Local fuel tax is rated below the cost of VAT, while pump prices are among the lowest in the Med. Merlilla’s port has a commercial dock of 240 meters, suitable for yachts of any length, as well as space to moor 15 yachts of up to 50 meters, with a […]
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Yachting Itineraries 2021
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Handbook 2017
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ESTELA SHIPPING PALMA, S.A

Avenida Gabriel Roca, 37 local C, entrada Carrer de la Pedrera
07014 Palma de Mallorca (Spain) – P.O. box 415
Tel. +34971722532
Fax. +34971511726
Email: palma@estelashipping.net

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