Xuereb, who also serves as chief Operations officer of Global Ports Holding, said the move forms part of a broader strategy to expand home porting operations and strengthen Malta’s position as a Mediterranean cruise hub.

The port recorded a landmark year in 2025, with 962,966 passengers passing through its facilities across 385 cruise calls. While this represents strong performance, Xuereb noted that most calls are transit visits, meaning passengers spend only the day in Malta. Cruise ships typically berth at 8am and depart around 6pm, limiting visitor engagement to roughly 10 hours.

The port’s strategic focus is now shifting toward home porting and fly-cruise operations, where voyages begin or end in Malta. Unlike transit calls, home port operations generate additional economic activity through air travel, hotel stays and extended tourism. Xuereb argued that cruise-and-stay packages are particularly valuable, as they encourage passengers to arrive earlier or remain after disembarkation, converting cruise visitors into stay-over tourists. This increases per capita expenditure, lengthens stays and deepens engagement with the destination.

Home port operations generally run between 4am and 10pm, sometimes extending overnight to accommodate boarding. However, the current terminal infrastructure is limited. The existing facility is small, and the company believes a purpose-built home port terminal is necessary to support its expansion plans.

Such a terminal is not included in the government’s Grand Harbour Revival Plan. Xuereb said the port is seeking further clarity on planned infrastructure changes before submitting a formal proposal. Ideally, the new facility would be located at the Deep Water Quay, which he described as the only logical adjacent expansion point. Splitting operations across multiple locations on a small island would be inefficient, he argued, and expansion toward the Deep Water Quay aligns with the broader government vision.

Xuereb welcomed the public consultation process surrounding the Grand Harbour plan, describing it as a long-term and transformative vision that balances heritage preservation, public access and mixed-use development. He said regeneration efforts complement cruise operations and enhance the wider destination experience. The cruise port and the Valletta Waterfront, he added, have already played a catalytic role in revitalising the area. The port is participating in consultations both independently and through the Malta Maritime Forum.

Space remains the port’s primary operational constraint. Situated at the foot of the capital beneath historic bastions, the narrow strip between quay and fortifications limits flexibility. Xuereb acknowledged these challenges but said operational efficiency has improved as a result. He also credited support from national authorities, particularly the Transport and Tourism ministries, and highlighted the importance of Transport Malta officials in managing traffic during busy operational days.

Looking ahead, 2026 is expected to build on the momentum of 2025, which surpassed pre-pandemic highs recorded in 2019. Cruise calls are projected to increase by around 20% to 420, although passenger numbers will remain broadly stable. This reflects a shift toward smaller, luxury vessels with lower capacity.

The rise in luxury cruising is influencing both port operations and onshore offerings. According to Xuereb, higher-end guests increasingly request exclusive experiences such as private concerts, lunches in private residences or curated wine-tastings. Luxury cruise lines sometimes even request scheduling gaps to avoid sharing port space with large ships. In response to growing demand for high-service travel, some major operators have adopted a “ship-within-a-ship” model, creating premium enclaves within larger vessels that combine exclusivity with the amenities of mass-market cruising. This hybrid approach allows operators to serve more discerning clientele without sacrificing scale.

Xuereb emphasised the sector’s strategic value as a gateway market: 80% of cruise passengers last year were first-time visitors to Malta. Of the remaining 20% who had previously visited, two-thirds had first discovered the island via cruise travel. Additionally, 87% expressed interest in returning for a longer stay, and nearly 90% rated Malta eight out of 10 or higher when asked if they would recommend it. In Xuereb’s view, cruises function as a powerful marketing channel, generating repeat visitation and sustained tourism growth.

He suggested that Malta could leverage cruise arrivals more effectively within its broader tourism strategy. Delivering a high-quality experience during a brief port call is essential if visitors are to return. Infrastructure improvements, reduced waiting times at cultural sites and smoother traffic management would enhance overall satisfaction. While the port manages the on-quay experience, the wider visitor journey depends on coordination across multiple stakeholders.

Demographic shifts are also reshaping the sector. When Xuereb entered the industry more than two decades ago, the average cruise passenger was over 65. Today, the global average age has fallen to around 45, reflecting broader market diversification. The cruise season has likewise expanded. What was once concentrated between May and September now stretches from March through November, with winter cruising increasingly common. According to industry data, nearly one-third of global cruise passengers in the past two years were first-time cruisers.

Malta’s central Mediterranean location supports its inclusion in Western, Eastern and Adriatic itineraries, reinforcing its strategic appeal. Cruise visitors are also venturing beyond Valletta during stopovers. Excursions frequently include trips to Mosta, Mdina and Rabat, as well as combined cultural tours linking the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John’s Co-Cathedral with the Tarxien Temples and Mdina’s ramparts. Experiential activities such as Maltese cooking classes, wine and olive oil tastings, and visits to prehistoric temple complexes are increasingly popular. Smaller-group or private excursions – including visits to the Blue Grotto and Marsaxlokk – are also in growing demand.

In parallel with operational expansion, several infrastructure projects are underway. The government, through Transport Malta and Infrastructure Malta, is widening the Pinto 4 and 5 quays. The cruise port is developing a four-storey car park within the Valletta Waterfront precinct. Additionally, the historic old power station complex in Floriana, located at the foot of Crucifix Hill, is set to be converted into a boutique hotel under an agreement with a local hospitality company.

Environmental measures are also advancing. Valletta became the first Mediterranean port to provide onshore power supply to cruise ships through its shore-to-ship project. In 2025, approximately 107 vessels connected to the system, significantly reducing emissions in the harbour area. Xuereb noted that each vessel requires technical adaptation and testing before connecting, but described the initiative as a major success that contributes meaningfully to carbon reduction.

The post Valletta Cruise Port pushes for new terminal as part of Grand Harbour vision first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

He was addressing the association’s annual conference, named Europe’s Island Link: Advocating Malta’s Role in the EU’s Transport Strategy. The conference brought together key policymakers, European representatives and industry stakeholders to discuss the strategic, regulatory and operational challenges facing Malta’s road haulage and logistics sector, particularly the fragility of Malta’s connection disadvantages as an island state.

In his opening address, Bugeja declared that Malta “can no longer afford economic isolation,” and stressed that the sector which keeps the island supplied and connected to Europe is being pushed to its operational limits.

“A mere two-day storm recently led to reported shortages in supermarkets. If disruptions of that nature were prolonged, the consequences would be catastrophic,” Bugeja said.

“Our members are not simply moving trailers. They are safeguarding Malta’s economic resilience and national security of supply.”

ATTO represents the operators responsible for guaranteeing the seamless daily movement of goods between Malta and mainland Europe. Yet, despite their strategic importance, the sector continues to face structural disadvantages at both EU and national levels.

At a European level, ATTO has intensified its advocacy against blanket policies that fail to recognise Malta’s island realities. Chief among these is the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which as of 1 January has reached 100% implementation for maritime transport.

According to ATTO, the cumulative impact of ETS-related costs and fuel surcharges is imposing disproportionate and unjust financial burdens on Malta’s transport and logistics industry.

“These costs are ultimately being filtered down to Maltese consumers. As an island state on the periphery of Europe, Malta does not have the luxury of alternative land connections. Yet EU environmental and transport measures continue to be designed as though we operate under the same conditions as continental Member States,” he added.

Turning to local issues, Bugeja referred to infrastructure constraints within the Grand Harbour which continue to undermine operational efficiency, particularly as trailer volumes increase under increasingly strict delivery timeframes.

While acknowledging the long-term vision behind the recently unveiled Grand Harbour Revival Plan, Bugeja made it unequivocally clear that ATTO cannot support proposals that may compromise two of the most strategic Ro-Ro berths without guaranteed and viable alternatives.

“Our Grand Harbour is a cornerstone of Malta’s supply chain and economic competitiveness. We cannot accept regeneration plans that jeopardise Ro-Ro trailer operations. Another berth was already sacrificed in previous years to accommodate larger cruise liners. Repeating that approach would be extremely dangerous.”

He maintained that any redevelopment, including proposals involving Ras Ħanżir, must be operationally robust, future-proof and aligned with national logistics requirements before implementation proceeds.

The Association also called for stronger political recognition of the sector’s strategic status.

“This is not merely a business activity,” Bugeja stressed. “International trailer operations underpin employment, sustain trade flows and ensure uninterrupted connectivity with Europe. Both major political parties must fully grasp the national implications of policy decisions affecting our industry.”

“ATTO is not anti-progress,” Bugeja concluded. “We advocate forward-thinking, balanced solutions. But we will firmly oppose any proposal, local or European, that undermines Malta’s operational resilience or places our nation at a structural disadvantage. The stakes are simply too high.”

The post Trailer supply chain ‘will face crisis’ if EU rules and port plans ignore islands realities first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The Minister explained that over recent months, the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, together with Gozo General Hospital, has worked on structuring this tender to introduce an innovative transport solution that will benefit dozens of Gozitan patients who can receive treatment in Gozo rather than travelling to Malta.

Through this service, medicines such as monoclonal antibodies are expected to be transferred regularly, safely, and rapidly, allowing more patients to access the care they need at an expanded Day Care Unit within Gozo General Hospital. The related infrastructure is currently being extended to accommodate up to fifteen patients instead of the present six.

Minister Abela praised the efforts of the Pharmacy and Pathology Departments at both hospitals and acknowledged expert input from Transport Malta, the Civil Protection Department, and officials from the United Kingdom.

Beyond medicines, the drone service will also be used to transport blood samples, fluids, and tissue specimens, enabling quicker testing and more robust diagnoses, ultimately leading to improved levels of care. The tender is intended to link all entities within the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, including San Vinċenz de Paul and the Ċensu Moran Centre.

Describing the initiative as a historic step for healthcare in Gozo, Minister Abela stated that over €1 million will be invested over the next two years to enhance comfort and quality of care for Gozitan patients on the island.

The post Public call to be issued for drone transport of medicines between Malta and Gozo hospitals first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Sea transport between Malta and Gozo

Between October and December 2025, a total of 11,829 trips were carried out, carrying a total of 1,839,008 passengers. December was the busiest month recording a total of 4,029 trips or 34.1 per cent of total trips for the quarter.

Sea transport between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa

A total of 1,526,411 passengers travelled between Mġarr and Ċirkewwa during the fourth quarter of 2025, an increase of 8.5 per cent when compared to the corresponding quarter of 2024. The highest number of passengers, 573,413 or 37.6 per cent of the total for the quarter, was recorded in October. When compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year, the number of vehicles increased by 4.5 per cent, totalling 529,930.

The number of trips during the fourth quarter amounted to 9,142, an increase of 0.9 per cent over the same period in 2024. October registered the highest number of trips, 3,118 or 34.1 per cent of total trips for the quarter.

During January-December 2025, vehicle traffic originating from the Mġarr terminal was highest on Sundays and Mondays, while passenger traffic was busiest on Sundays and Saturdays. On the other hand, vehicle traffic originating from Ċirkewwa was busiest on Fridays and Saturdays, while passenger traffic was busiest on Saturdays and Fridays.

Sea transport between Mġarr and Valletta

During the fourth quarter of 2025, a total of 2,687 trips were carried out carrying a total of 312,597 passengers. When compared to same quarter in 2024, the number of trips increased by 11.8 per cent and the number passengers increased by 25.6 per cent. December registered the highest number of trips, totaling 950, or 35.4 per cent of all trips for the quarter, while October registered the highest number of passengers, amounting to 125,770, or 40.2 per cent of the quarterly total.

Annual Perspective

During 2025, the total number of trips by the Gozo Channel ferry service and the fast ferry increased by 1,707 trips or 3.8 per cent, when compared to 2024. Vehicle movements between the islands increased by 63,069 or 3.0 per cent, over the previous year, while the number of passengers went up by 511,306 or 7.4 per cent. During 2025, August recorded the highest number of trips totalling 4,099, and also the highest number of vehicles and passengers, with 210,290 and 740,474 respectively.

The post More than 1.8m passengers on Malta-Gozo trips in Q4 2025 – NSO first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The initiative was announced by the Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, together with the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett. The task force forms part of the Government’s broader vision to address present needs while investing in Gozo’s long-term sustainability.

Given the harbour’s central role in Gozo’s social and economic life, the task force will assess the current state of Mġarr Harbour and put forward recommendations aimed at ensuring sustainable operations, long-term resilience and possible strategic solutions for both the harbour and the island. The objective is to better accommodate continued growth in economic and tourist activity in the years ahead.

Minister Camilleri noted that unprecedented economic growth over the past decade, coupled with sustained increases in both domestic and inbound tourism, has led to a sharp rise in activity at Mġarr Harbour. He said the port has become one of the busiest maritime hubs in Europe in terms of vessel movements and passenger volumes. This growth, he added, is placing increasing pressure on the harbour and related infrastructure, particularly Triq ix-Xatt, which currently serves as the only road link between the port and the rest of the island. The task force, he said, will allow for consultation, informed decision-making and the eventual implementation of a clear plan for the future.

Mġarr Harbour provides round-the-clock connectivity between Gozo and Malta through multiple operators, including Gozo Channel Operations Ltd and Gozo Highspeed. This uninterrupted connection is essential for residents, visitors, economic activity, tourism, freight transport and emergency operations.

Minister Bonett said that Gozo’s connectivity is set to improve further, with fast ferry links expected to expand beyond Cirkewwa and Valletta to include Bugibba and Sliema. He stressed that improved connectivity must be matched by upgraded infrastructure within Gozo itself to support continued economic growth and ensure efficient links between the islands.

The task force will draw up a strategic plan for the optimal and sustainable use of Mġarr Harbour, including the possible expansion of facilities. Its work will involve assessing social, economic and environmental impacts, exploring alternative road connections between the harbour and Gozo’s arterial road network, and developing practical recommendations for long-term resilience.

Chaired by the Gozo Regional Development Authority, the task force includes representatives from key stakeholders, including business, tourism, transport, infrastructure, environmental authorities and the Għajnsielem Local Council.

The post Task force set up to plan long-term future of Mġarr Harbour holds first meeting first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri said the figures confirm that Gozo has become a natural choice for both Maltese residents and tourists seeking a short break during the festive season, in line with the objectives of the Gozo: An Island of Villages strategy.

Between Monday 22 December 2025 and Sunday 4 January 2026, a total of 258,710 passengers travelled to and from Gozo on Gozo Channel ferries. This represented an increase of 6.7% when compared to the same period last year.

In addition, Gozo Highspeed, which operates the fast ferry service between the Grand Harbour and Mġarr, confirmed that it carried 42,331 passengers during the same festive period. This marked an increase of 9,529 passengers, or 29.05%, over the corresponding period in 2024-2025.

Combined, the two services accounted for 301,041 passenger crossings during the 2025-2026 Christmas period, reflecting an overall increase of 9.3% compared to last year.

The ministry noted that when compared to the Christmas period of 2012-2013, under a Nationalist administration, the latest figures represent a record increase of 133%, more than double the number of passengers who crossed the channel at that time.

Camilleri welcomed the record results, saying they confirm the ongoing work being carried out by the ministry and other entities to position Gozo as an attractive destination throughout the year. He said the figures provide further motivation to continue implementing the government’s strategy to make Gozo a year-round island.

The minister also referred to a survey conducted by the Gozo Tourism Association, which found that 60% of tourism operators reported better performance than last year, while around 20% said business levels were similar to those of the previous year.

Camilleri said the government will continue to build on this momentum while safeguarding the qualities that distinguish Gozo from other destinations, including its tranquillity, sense of calm and range of activities. He concluded by thanking everyone who chose Gozo for the festive period, as well as those involved in organising more than 165 Christmas-related activities that contributed to another successful season for the island.

The post Record Christmas passenger traffic to Gozo as more than 301,000 cross the channel first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

In a statement, the Association warned that this measure will impose yet another disproportionate and unjust financial burden on Maltese consumers and the transport and logistics industry as a whole.

ATTO explained that the ETS and fuel surcharge applied to a single round-trip trailer on the Genoa-Malta-Genoa route will amount to €734.40. Based on 2025 projections, which are expected to close with approximately 54,500 trailers operating on core Ro-Ro vessel routes from Genoa, Livorno, Salerno, and Catania, the cumulative impact is estimated to translate into an additional annual cost of around €16.5 million.

The association questioned whether it is equitable or economically sound for the European Union to impose a uniform 100 per cent ETS surcharge on an island nation with no viable transport alternatives, effectively penalising Malta for its geography rather than supporting its long-term economic sustainability.

“These costs are not only exorbitant, they punish Malta simply for being an island,” said Joseph Bugeja, Chairman of ATTO. He added that “these costs will ultimately and inevitably be passed on to Maltese consumers and industry.”

“Malta does not have the option of overland transport. Unlike mainland states, our supply chains are entirely dependent on maritime connections. There is no alternative route to market. Every surcharge imposed on trailer movements is, in reality, a surcharge on the Maltese consumer, economy, and competitiveness,”  Bugeja added.

ATTO emphasised that while Malta is a committed EU Member State and fully supports environmental objectives, policy implementation must reflect economic realities. The Association warned that applying ETS charges without island-specific mitigation measures undermines competitiveness, fuels inflation, and places Maltese industry at a structural disadvantage within the Single Market.

For the past two years, ATTO has been calling for urgent dialogue at both national and EU levels, insisting that Malta’s status as an island nation with an island-based economy be formally recognised in the application of ETS-related charges.

From 1 January 2026, ETS rates and shipping-related surcharges will increase from 70 per cent to full application on 100 per cent of emissions.

“This becomes a real and measurable cost borne by families and businesses across Malta,” Bugeja said.

“This is no longer a theoretical discussion. Without corrective measures, the outcome will be higher consumer prices, further erosion of competitiveness for local businesses, and increased pressure on national supply chains.”

“For Maltese consumers and businesses, this situation is no longer sustainable. The fundamental question that must now be answered is whether Maltese consumers, as European citizens, should continue to be penalised simply for living in an island state,” he concluded.

The post Maltese consumers, industry to face additional €16.5m EU-imposed ETS, fuel surcharges in 2026 first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Driven by growing client demand for more cohesive and efficient solutions, Focal Logistics Group is now positioned to manage the entire logistics cycle, including multimodal transport, customs clearance and warehousing, all through a single point of contact.

This transformation also includes a full rebranding and structural reorganisation, aimed at reinforcing governance, ensuring business continuity and preparing the company for the next generation of leadership.

The group will be led by Anton Xerri as Chief Executive Officer, Ramona Saliba as Chief Commercial Officer, Jesmond Abela as Chief Operations Officer and Kimberly Camilleri as Financial Controller. Godwin Xerri will assume the role of Chairperson of the newly established group.

“The creation of Focal Logistics Group is a natural next step in our journey. Our clients’ needs have evolved, and so have we, offering a unified, customer-centric and future-ready service across the entire logistics chain,” said Anton Xerri, CEO. “While the brand and structure are evolving, existing channels and client touchpoints will remain unchanged to ensure a smooth transition. Clients can expect the same reliability and professionalism — now with an even stronger capacity to deliver”, he added.

Godwin Xerri, Group Chairperson, added: “This development represents the culmination of decades of expertise, now coming together under one banner. This is all about continuity, backed by a clear vision for growth, innovation and leadership across the logistics sector in Malta and beyond. With a dynamic team, fresh energy, and the same trusted relationships, we are building on our legacy while embracing the future.”

The post Focal Logistics Group announces consolidation of end-to-end logistics services first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Malta Public Transport has launched two new fully electric nine-metre low-floor buses, the first of their kind for Malta, as part of its ongoing investment in service quality, sustainability, and passenger comfort. These vehicles are similar in size to our medium sized diesel buses, and have been specifically designed to serve village centres and narrower roads where larger buses may be less suitable.

Representing an investment of €800,000, the new buses are already operating on a number of routes, and their performance is being closely and consantly monitored. With this latest addition, the company’s electric fleet now totals 42 with 36 in Malta, and six in Gozo’s Park and Ride service.

In addition to offering enhanced convenience, comfort and respect to the environment, the new buses also feature innovative technology, including larger passenger information display screens, and digital mirror camera systems, which offer better visibilty for drivers. Each bus is also equipped with two charging sockets to allow for fast charging when necessary.

Konrad Pule, General Manager of Malta Public Transport, said: “These new buses reflect our commitment to continously improve the quality of our service. They represent another step forward in our mission to provide a service that is not only reliable and comfortable, but also sustainable. Investing in electric mobility helps us reduce our carbon footprint while improving the overall experience for our passengers.”

The post Malta Public Transport launches Malta’s first fully electric 9-metre low-floor buses first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The figures show that reports of fire and theft from vessels remained consistent, with nine and 12 respectively registered in 2024, where there were 216 reports related to ‘other damage’, and 20 instances of sinking.

A spokesperson for the Insurance Association of Malta said: “The use of boats in Maltese waters and beyond has increased exponentially over the years, and yacht and pleasure craft owners face a wide range of risks both for themselves and others.

“The data show that 96 per cent of claims were related to incidents within Maltese waters, highlighting that marine insurance is not just a legal requirement but also offers protection for the boat owner, passengers and other seafarers when things go wrong.”

While fire and sinking incidents are less common, high repair and replacement costs means claims tend to be for disproportionately high amounts. 

“It’s an unfortunate fact that, even in paradise, the unexpected happens, and cover provides seafarers with the financial and logistical support to recover quickly and responsibly.”

The IAM said marine insurance has been improved and refined over the years.

“With increased investment in post-loss surveyors and a commitment to regulatory alignment, the industry is evolving to meet the needs of modern seafarers. This has led to faster claim processing, better risk assessment, and transparent practices,” the spokesperson said.

According to Maltese law, Third Party cover is mandatory for craft with engines exceeding 9.9hp in case of property damage or bodily injury sustained to third parties, and is also required for new registrations and registration renewals of boats.

The spokesperson said: “The message to boat owners is ‘make sure you’re covered’ by third party liability certificate.

“And the message to the authorities is let’s ensure that there is proper enforcement at sea and that deterrents are in place to guard against abusive practices like intoxication through drink and drugs. If we follow these basic guidelines, everyone can enjoy the summer.”

The post Boating collisions more than double in two years first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.