About us

JB Sorotto embodies the values intrinsic to the maritime industry.

History

The historic tale of JB Sorotto begins not in Malta (as you might expect), but the Greek Island of Santorini. It all started with the birth of a man named John Basil Sorotto, born into a Venetian family residing in Santorini sometime in the mid 1800s.

For young John Basil, the quirks of island life defined his childhood, and he grew up with a sense of the sea running through his veins. In time, it seemed only natural that he should forge a seabound career, so John Basil become a ship owner and wheat merchant.

But John Basil soon tired of merchant life. His sense of adventure and love of the ocean overtook, and he set off to look for his next big venture. Hardly had he touched Mediterranean shores when his travels brought him to Malta, and it was here that his entrepreneurial spirit really kicked in.

Having fallen in love with the beauty of the island, and recognising its natural resources perfectly suited to maritime affairs, John Basil and a group of fellow entrepreneurs set about establishing a successful shipping business.

Ferrying passengers and various commodities, such as wine and tobacco, between Greece and Malta, JB Sorotto was officially established in 1877 – the first business of its kind to sail the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

From humble beginnings, JB Sorotto steadily grew to become a great success. The hard work paid off, and throughout the years the Sorotto family have remained at the helm of the organisation. The business’ Greek heritage has not been forgotten, but new trading links have been made and opportunities taken, allowing JB Sorotto to operate in a variety of sectors across the shipping world.

In 1974, a strategic alliance was formed with another shipping family: the Sullivans. Today, the two families jointly own and manage the company. Yet, the original values of the founding forefathers have not been forgotten. John Basil’s sense of dedication and his commitment to the maritime community remain as core business principles, as JB Sorotto continues to operate in the modern world.

The historic tale of JB Sorotto begins not in Malta (as you might expect), but the Greek Island of Santorini. It all started with the birth of a man named John Basil Sorotto, born into a Venetian family residing in Santorini sometime in the mid 1800s.

For young John Basil, the quirks of island life defined his childhood, and he grew up with a sense of the sea running through his veins. In time, it seemed only natural that he should forge a seabound career, so John Basil become a ship owner and wheat merchant.

But John Basil soon tired of merchant life. His sense of adventure and love of the ocean overtook, and he set off to look for his next big venture. Hardly had he touched Mediterranean shores when his travels brought him to Malta, and it was here that his entrepreneurial spirit really kicked in. Having fallen in love with the beauty of the island, and recognising its natural resources perfectly suited to maritime affairs, John Basil and a group of fellow entrepreneurs set about establishing a successful shipping business.

Ferrying passengers and various commodities, such as wine and tobacco, between Greece and Malta, JB Sorotto was officially established in 1877 – the first business of its kind to sail the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.

From humble beginnings, JB Sorotto steadily grew to become a great success. The hard work paid off, and throughout the years the Sorotto family have remained at the helm of the organisation. The business’ Greek heritage has not been forgotten, but new trading links have been made and opportunities taken, allowing JB Sorotto to operate in a variety of sectors across the shipping world.

In 1974, a strategic alliance was formed with another shipping family: the Sullivans. Today, the two families jointly own and manage the company. Yet, the original values of the founding forefathers have not been forgotten. John Basil’s sense of dedication and his commitment to the maritime community remain as core business principles, as JB Sorotto continues to operate in the modern world.

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Malta: a maritime hub

The maritime industry is the beating heart of our island’s economy. Alongside other local players, JB Sorotto upholds the highest of business standards, ensuring that Malta can maintain its status and strong reputation within the international shipping community.

Malta’s strategic geographical location, multiple port facilities and vast array of maritime amenities have fuelled the expansion of the Maltese shipping trade. Today, Malta plays host to the largest maritime flag in Europe, boasting Europe’s biggest Shipping Register, and is one of the busiest transshipment hubs in the Mediterranean.

The swirling maritime metropolis of Malta has proved the ideal bedrock for the growth of various legal and financial support services, ensuring that the ebb and flow of maritime business runs as smoothly as possible. JB Sorotto proudly supports the continued success of Malta’s maritime community.

The maritime industry is the beating heart of our island’s economy. Alongside other local players, JB Sorotto upholds the highest of business standards, ensuring that Malta can maintain its status and strong reputation within the international shipping community.

Malta’s strategic geographical location, multiple port facilities and vast array of maritime amenities have fuelled the expansion of the Maltese shipping trade.

Today, Malta plays host to the largest maritime flag in Europe, boasting Europe’s biggest Shipping Register, and is one of the busiest transshipment hubs in the Mediterranean.

The swirling maritime metropolis of Malta has proved the ideal bedrock for the growth of various legal and financial support services, ensuring that the ebb and flow of maritime business runs as smoothly as possible. JB Sorotto proudly supports the continued success of Malta’s maritime community

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Location

Located in the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta lies on one of the major shipping routes – conveniently located for those requiring bunkering, conveyance and other such services.

Malta’s strategic position, on the crossroad between Southern Europe and Northern Africa, makes it an ideal hub for transshipment and logistics.

Flag of Excellence

Malta’s ship registry is the largest in Europe and one of the leading flags of choice worldwide. It has become synonymous with quality and the highest of standards.

Malta is on the Paris MoU Port State Control White List, and has gained the upmost respect from the international shipping community. The Maltese flag has also become a reputable and popular choice amongst superyacht owners, establishing Malta as one of the leaders in the sector.

OUR TEAM

A people-centred business
built on strong maritime
values.

Although technology helps us to achieve our day-to-day goals, what really matters is the chain of skilled people and decision makers that operate at different points along the shipping process. It’s the people that make this business tick, and we’d like to introduce you to the team behind JB Sorotto, working to provide the highest quality service possible.

We operate on the notion of trust. We trust in each other to do the best possible job. From operations to sales, legal to finance, no matter how large or small the job, we all depend on each other to ensure that our ships continue to sail every hour of the day, every day of the year.

The quality we strive to deliver stems from the competence and experience of our team. Our friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable approach radiates throughout our company culture.

Spyro Sorotos

CEng CMarEng MIMarEST

Chairman

Spyro became Chairman of JB Sorotto in 2009.

In 2001 he set up an Engineering Consultancy business providing technical support for large Oil and Gas EPC companies including AMEC, ENI Snamprogetti, Petrofac and Chicago Bridge and Iron. The consultancy has worked on new offshore platforms for example Sakhalin Island eastern Russia; UK North Sea; import and export LNG facilities in Nigeria, UK, China, Chile, Qatar and Peru.

Previously, Spyro spent 34 years with Shell where he gained valuable experience on a variety of vessels such as product, crude oil and VLCC tankers, as well as LNG carriers. He obtained his DTI Extra First Class Combined Certificate in 1982.

In addition, Spyro worked in Technical Materials Procurement; North Sea offshore installations and refineries; Design and Project Management for Shell UK and Shell Aviation.

Matthew E. Sullivan

Deputy Chairman

Matthew was appointed Director and Deputy Chairman of JB Sorotto in 2013 after spending 15 years working for PwC, seven of which were in PwC Italy.

After becoming a Certified Chartered Accountant Matthew worked on various engagements including audit, due diligence and other assurance and advisory work, and gained considerable experience on international tax structures. Working on various international groups and in proximity with their management, he has learned to understand large corporate structures, their management and business processes and the interaction between them.

Matthew sits on the Council for the Association of Ship Agents and the Malta Employers Association and in February 2013 was appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea.

Jonathan Taylor-East

Head of Strategy and Promotion

Having been appointed Company Secretary in 2013, Jonathan’s varied experience in the maritime, legal and corporate sectors make him perfectly positioned to execute the strategy and promotion elements of the business to the highest of standards.

Jonathan studied law at the University of Malta and obtained a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree. His well-rounded understanding of business development industry experience has equipped him with unique insight, training and skills that make him a highly qualified member of the team, able to offer invaluable advice and support to our clients.

Christine Bezzina

Head of Service Development

Christine was appointed Head of Service Development of JB Sorotto in March 2020.

Christine has 13 years of experience working in both international and local corporations, combining operational and managerial aspects, giving her the versatility to deal with operations within the company, as well as client relationships.

Christine has held senior managerial positions in the corporate and financial sectors having dealt with cost and operational optimisation by managing teams in different offices, designing and implementing procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, building new departments when required, and assisting in maintaining client relationships.

Christine has a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree from the University of Malta and has also read a Masters in International Commercial Law (LL.M.) at the University College London (UCL).

Patricia Caruana

Registration Manager

Patricia joined JB Sorotto in 1981 and has worked in various departments within the company, giving her an in-depth understanding of the maritime industry and vessel registration in particular.

Patricia’s detailed knowledge has built strong relationships with our clients, being highly responsive to all client needs, Patricia offers ongoing support that goes beyond the purely regulatory requirements.

Sofia Soulé

Accounts Manager

Sofia has over 21 years of financial and audit experience, and was appointed Accounts Manager of JB Sorotto in April 2019.

Sofia is an ELTE Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has worked on various engagements including audit and other assurance and advisory work, gaining considerable experience in tax and fiscal matters including audit and financial reporting.

Sofia holds a University Degree in Economics from the University of Bari in Italy, and a professional qualification from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece. Sofia is a member of Certified Public Accountants of Greece and Economic Chamber of Greece.

Agency Team

The maritime business is primarily a peoples’ business where strong relationships are developed over many years. Our agency service is also built around our people and their competencies. Such competencies stem from their training and qualifications and are further developed on the job and through the experience they have gained over the years. Amongst these competences is the strong relationship built with operators, authorities and other players within the industry. These competencies, set within a strong framework of business, process and controls, allow us to operate an effective and seamless service to our principals and clients.

We further believe that central to our peoples’ business is the personal approach that has been embedded into our culture. We also believe in charging fairly for our services were we profit not on our principals but with them in a transparent manner.

Spyro Sorotos

CEng CMarEng MIMarEST

Chairman

Spyro became Chairman of JB Sorotto in 2009.

In 2001 he set up an Engineering Consultancy business providing technical support for large Oil and Gas EPC companies including AMEC, ENI Snamprogetti, Petrofac and Chicago Bridge and Iron. The consultancy has worked on new offshore platforms for example Sakhalin Island eastern Russia; UK North Sea; import and export LNG facilities in Nigeria, UK, China, Chile, Qatar and Peru.

Previously, Spyro spent 34 years with Shell where he gained valuable experience on a variety of vessels such as product, crude oil and VLCC tankers, as well as LNG carriers. He obtained his DTI Extra First Class Combined Certificate in 1982.

In addition, Spyro worked in Technical Materials Procurement; North Sea offshore installations and refineries; Design and Project Management for Shell UK and Shell Aviation.

Matthew E. Sullivan

Deputy Chairman

Matthew was appointed Director and Deputy Chairman of JB Sorotto in 2013 after spending 15 years working for PwC, seven of which were in PwC Italy.

After becoming a Certified Chartered Accountant Matthew worked on various engagements including audit, due diligence and other assurance and advisory work, and gained considerable experience on international tax structures. Working on various international groups and in proximity with their management, he has learned to understand large corporate structures, their management and business processes and the interaction between them.

Matthew sits on the Council for the Association of Ship Agents and the Malta Employers Association and in February 2013 was appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Korea.

Jonathan Taylor-East

Head of Strategy and Promotion

Having been appointed Company Secretary in 2013, Jonathan’s varied experience in the maritime, legal and corporate sectors make him perfectly positioned to execute the strategy and promotion elements of the business to the highest of standards.

Jonathan studied law at the University of Malta and obtained a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree. His well-rounded understanding of business development industry experience has equipped him with unique insight, training and skills that make him a highly qualified member of the team, able to offer invaluable advice and support to our clients.

Christine Bezzina

Head of Service Development

Christine was appointed Head of Service Development of JB Sorotto in March 2020.

Christine has 13 years of experience working in both international and local corporations, combining operational and managerial aspects, giving her the versatility to deal with operations within the company, as well as client relationships.

Christine has held senior managerial positions in the corporate and financial sectors having dealt with cost and operational optimisation by managing teams in different offices, designing and implementing procedures, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, building new departments when required, and assisting in maintaining client relationships.

Christine has a Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree from the University of Malta and has also read a Masters in International Commercial Law (LL.M.) at the University College London (UCL).

Patricia Caruana

Registration Manager

Patricia joined JB Sorotto in 1981 and has worked in various departments within the company, giving her an in-depth understanding of the maritime industry and vessel registration in particular.

Patricia’s detailed knowledge has built strong relationships with our clients, being highly responsive to all client needs, Patricia offers ongoing support that goes beyond the purely regulatory requirements.

Sofia Soulé

Accounts Manager

Sofia has over 21 years of financial and audit experience, and was appointed Accounts Manager of JB Sorotto in April 2019.

Sofia is an ELTE Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has worked on various engagements including audit and other assurance and advisory work, gaining considerable experience in tax and fiscal matters including audit and financial reporting.

Sofia holds a University Degree in Economics from the University of Bari in Italy, and a professional qualification from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Greece. Sofia is a member of Certified Public Accountants of Greece and Economic Chamber of Greece.

Agency Team

The maritime business is primarily a peoples’ business where strong relationships are developed over many years. Our agency service is also built around our people and their competencies. Such competencies stem from their training and qualifications and are further developed on the job and through the experience they have gained over the years. Amongst these competences is the strong relationship built with operators, authorities and other players within the industry. These competencies, set within a strong framework of business, process and controls, allow us to operate an effective and seamless service to our principals and clients.

We further believe that central to our peoples’ business is the personal approach that has been embedded into our culture. We also believe in charging fairly for our services were we profit not on our principals but with them in a transparent manner.