Owners of recreational boats in Malta will face higher annual registration fees under Budget 2027, with increases of up to €2,600 depending on the vessel’s size and category.Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced the changes during today’s Budget speech, saying they would help offset part of the cost of subsidised fuel used by these vessels.Boats measuring less than 10 metres will be exempt from the increases, as will professional fishermen.For recreational yachts below 50 gross tonnes and the other non-commercial vessel categories listed in the Budget, the additional annual charges will be:€300 for vessels measuring 10 metres to under 12 metres.€350 for vessels measuring 12 metres to under 15 metres.€650 for vessels measuring 15 metres to under 18 metres.€1,800 for vessels measuring 18 metres to under 21 metres.€2,600 for vessels measuring 21 metres to under 24 metres.These amounts will be added to existing registration fees.The Budget also lists increases for commercial yachts in the categories from 12 metres upwards, ranging from €350 to €2,600 annually.Caruana said the government expected the measure to generate approximately €3 million.Explaining the decision, he said spending on fuel subsidies had increased from around €40 million last year to €85 million this year.While reaffirming the government’s commitment to keeping energy and fuel prices stable, he argued that subsidies should increasingly focus on essential needs.The minister said vessels longer than 24 metres were already legally unable to receive subsidised fuel.What do you think of the higher registration fees for recreational boats?•