Cayman Maritime & Aviation City

Connecting Maritime & Aviation Businesses to Global Opportunity

Cayman Maritime & Aviation City (CMAC) enables eligible shipping, maritime, aviation, and related businesses to establish a genuine physical presence in the Cayman Islands.

As part of Cayman Enterprise City, CMAC provides a streamlined and cost-effective route to establishing Cayman operations, supported by business licensing, flexible workspace solutions, global mobility assistance, and ongoing business support.

Built for International Operations

CMAC supports businesses operating across specialised, globally connected industries. Eligible companies can base key functions in Cayman while coordinating their wider international operations from a respected business centre.

A Connected Industry Ecosystem

Companies established within CMAC join a growing community of maritime and aviation businesses, industry professionals, service providers, and entrepreneurs.

They also benefit from access to Cayman’s established maritime and aviation infrastructure, professional services network, and international connectivity.

Establish Your Global Operations in Cayman

Build a genuine Cayman presence within a specialised cluster created for sophisticated international businesses.

Industries Within CMAC

Cayman Maritime & Aviation City supports eligible businesses operating across international shipping, maritime services, aviation, logistics, industry technology, and related specialist services.

Ship Ownership, Operations & Management

Establish head or satellite offices for ship ownership, shipping operations, vessel management, yacht management, and related maritime services.

Shipping, Freight & Brokerage

Coordinate shipbroking, freight trading, bunker brokerage, demurrage calculations, post-deal expenses, and related commercial operations.

Maritime Technology & Specialist Services

Develop maritime technology, research, data-management solutions, logistics-planning services, management consulting, and other specialised industry services.

Passenger, Charter & General Aviation

Support eligible businesses involved in scheduled passenger transport, charter services, sightseeing flights, and other general aviation activities.

Air Freight, Aircraft & Logistics

Coordinate eligible air-freight activities, aircraft management, aviation logistics planning, and the rental of air-transport equipment with an operator.

Aerospace & Specialist Aviation Services

Establish eligible businesses involved in satellite and space-transport activities, aviation consulting, and other specialised services supporting the aviation sector.

FAQs

How long does it take to establish a company within CMAC?

Eligible businesses can typically establish their Cayman operations within four to six weeks. Timing depends on the proposed business activities, the company structure, the completeness of the application, and whether separate industry-specific approvals are required.

Can the CMAC application process be completed remotely?

Yes. The CEC application and setup process can be completed remotely. Once the relevant approvals are in place, the company can begin operating from its chosen workspace within the zone.

What types of businesses can establish within CMAC?

CMAC supports eligible businesses operating across shipping, vessel management, maritime services, aviation, air freight, logistics, industry technology, management consulting, and other specialised maritime and aviation services.

Eligibility is determined by the company’s principal business activity and its proposed Cayman operations.

Can both start-ups and established global companies join CMAC?

Yes. CMAC can accommodate businesses at different stages of development, from founders launching new ventures to established international groups creating specialist subsidiaries, regional offices, or global headquarters.

What does establishing a genuine physical presence involve?

Companies operating within CMAC must maintain an active presence in the Cayman Islands. Depending on the nature and scale of the business, this may include dedicated or shared workspace, locally based directors or employees, and key management, technical, strategic, or operational functions being carried out from Cayman.

Does a CMAC licence cover maritime or aviation regulatory approvals?

No. A Zone Trade Certificate authorises eligible activities within the special economic zone but does not replace any regulatory, safety, professional, or industry-specific approval required under Cayman Islands law.

Aviation activities may require approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands, while maritime activities may require approval from the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands or another relevant authority.

Does joining CMAC include ship, yacht, or aircraft registration?

No. Establishing a company within CMAC is separate from registering a ship, yacht, or aircraft in the Cayman Islands.

Vessel registration is administered by the Cayman Islands Shipping Registry, while aircraft registration and aviation safety oversight are administered by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands. CEC can help businesses establish their operational presence but does not issue these registrations.

Get Started

Cayman Maritime & Aviation City (CMAC)

Connecting Maritime & Aviation Businesses to Global Opportunity

Built for International Operations

A Connected Industry Ecosystem

Establish Your Global Operations in Cayman