Suzanne Brincat Dowdall
Managing Director at AML – Atlantis Management Ltd
JurisdictionMalta
Phone
+356 2133 0820
Phone
+356 99886937
Email
Practice Area:
Client Sector Groups:
Member Groups:
Biography
Suzanne started her career in the shipping industry in 1994. She is a maritime specialist and a Certified Public Accountant, specializing in Maltese Taxation. She has over 30 years’ experience in Ship and Crew management with a Diploma in Crew Management awarded by Lloyd’s Maritime Academy.
Suzanne has held various top managerial positions in Finance during her career. She has served on the boards of various companies, supported clients in establishing ownership structures, and advised numerous businesses on tax-efficient frameworks aligned with Maltese regulations.
Suzanne has developed deep expertise in a range of areas including ship and yacht registration, yacht customs importation, yacht leasing structures, vessel accounting, crew payroll and seafarer social security, crew management, company formation, and Maltese VAT and Tax compliance.
A committed and passionate maritime professional, Suzanne is known for her meticulous approach, technical acumen, and solution-oriented mindset. Her objective is to understand clients' needs and provide tailored, high-quality services grounded in deep industry knowledge.
She is a member of the Malta Institute of Accountants, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, the Malta Maritime Law Association, and the Malta Maritime Forum.
Suzanne joined AML in 2002 at incorporation stage and has been in charge of all matters relating to the company setup and running of the company ever since. In 2020 Suzanne acquired all the equity of AML and now manages and owns the company.
The Firm
AML was founded with a passionate and determined spirit to drive one mission, to offer an exceptional quality service while providing the right solutions for our customers in the Maritime industry. Driven by passion and professionalism, our goal has always been to combine deep industry knowledge with personalised support to meet the evolving needs of our clients.
In 2002, a team of ex-captains who lived and breathed the vessels led the way to develop practices that ensure any challenges faced within our clients day-to-day operations were met with as much efficiency to ensure the best tailor-made outcome. With a team boasting over 30 years of experience, AML offers a comprehensive range of maritime services. Our expertise spans ship management, Malta Flag vessel registration, technical maritime operations, crew management and seafaring, corporate governance and accounting.
Our services cover a multiple of disciplines. We offer solutions from securing the right crew to vessels, port and husbandry agency services, importation of yachts and managing yacht leasing structures, registering vessels under the Malta flag and any corporate-related matters. Everything we do is provided directly with our own 24hr advisors who have a deep knowledge of the vessels, based in Malta, the heart of the Mediterranean.
Our answer to exceptional service is based on our belief of being an extension to your business. Your challenge becomes our challenge; equally personal and concerned. For over 20 years this is our legacy we have built and deliver every, single day.
Services
Member Q&A
What first drew you to this profession—a specific moment, or something that built over time?
Finance always interested me, however learning that there are so many areas of specialization within the same profession fascinated me. I was always keen on learning so my profession opened many areas of expertise for me.
What’s the most rewarding part of the job?
Being able to apply my knowledge to so many different areas of our business, enabling me to offer an all round solution to our clients . And seeing clients satisfied.
What’s the most challenging aspect?
Maritime is a round the clock sector which never sleeps and everything is needed with urgency.
What’s a book, podcast, or resource that’s shaped how you think about your work?
Podcasts from CEOs.
What’s a skill or area you’re hoping to develop further?
Well I have had my fair of studying throughout my career from finance to tax, compliance, to crew management and lately marketing and sales management. AI is next on the list. As a company we are now offering yachting technical expertise to clients so our next project is to expand in this area too.
What’s the most interesting cross-border matter you’ve worked on?
Yacht acquisition inclusive of legal and tax matters involving multiple jurisdictions.
What excites you most about being part of a global network like this?
Being able to work with a network of professionals across different jurisdictions and to support clients whilst building new and trusted partnerships.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in your profession, what would it be?
The sky is the limit. There are many interesting jobs out there - so go and explore and follow your dream. Make the most of your time and learn as much as you can as you climb the ladder.
Was there a person who influenced your career path, and how?
My first boss, who was an accountant, really supported me when I started my career. I then joined a maritime company from an early age and I was given many opportunities to travel and carry out on board visits - so this made my career very interesting and it is also where my love for maritime started.
If you hadn’t gone into this field, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Travelling
What’s a misconception people often have about what you do?
That finance is boring and that it cannot be combined with anything else.
What’s a skill from outside your profession that’s turned out to be surprisingly useful in it?
Being creative and working well under pressure.
Is there a case or piece of work you’re particularly proud of (without breaking confidentiality)?
Various satisfied clients who had nothing but words of praise after the job was finished. And the various referrals which we receive on an ongoing basis.
What do you wish clients understood before working across borders?
That we are roped in at the initial stages so that we can ensure that all legal and tax aspects are well set from the beginning and that would set a clear course of action from the onset. In that way we could ensure that all was aligned and that all parties were well informed of the necessary steps to be taken. This prevents a lot of problem along the way which can easily be avoided.
Outside of work, what’s something you’re currently curious about or learning?
AI
How do you like to switch off after a demanding case or project?
With a nice good glass of red wine.
What’s a value or principle you try to bring to every piece of work you take on?
Earning our clients' trust and acting as an extension to their business. Offering our client's a solution which caters for their needs. All presented in an efficient and cost effective way whilst delivering a service in a timely manner. We ensure that each client is given the personal attention that they deserve and that we are accessible at all times.
Where do you hope your practice/career is headed in the next few years?
To continue to grow together with our clients and keep on supporting maritime businesses in all that we do.
What’s one thing about your city or country that clients are often surprised to learn?
How much Malta can offer considering the size of our island.
Firm: AML – Atlantis Management Ltd
Office Address
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Main Office
17G, Dolphin Court, Embassy Way, Ta’ Xbiex, XBX 1071, Malta
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Cross Border Advisory Solutions Members at AML – Atlantis Management Ltd
Anndrea Moran
Head of Legal
