Malta Maritime Forum calls for dedicated authority as sector targets high-value growth

MMF unveils 77-point blueprint to position Malta as leading maritime hub

The Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) has called for active measures to strengthen Malta’s position as a regional maritime hub, warning that growing geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressures and the transition towards decarbonisation are reshaping the global shipping landscape.

Addressing the Forum’s Annual General Assembly held at MaritimeMT, MMF chairman Godwin Xerri presented a 77-point maritime-centred electoral manifesto aimed at reinforcing the sector’s strategic contribution to the Maltese economy ahead of the next general election.

The proposals, which have already been presented to Malta’s main political parties, focus on four key areas: governance, the National Maritime Transport Strategy, education and skills, and infrastructure. Central among the recommendations is the re-establishment of a National Maritime Authority, a measure the forum argues would improve coordination, accelerate decision-making and provide clearer strategic direction for the industry.

Xerri also called for the appointment of a minister specifically responsible for maritime affairs, supported by a permanent interministerial structure to strengthen coordination across government.

“The common objective across all proposals is to strengthen the industry’s role within the economy and position Malta as a leading regional maritime hub,” he said.

The MMF stressed that Malta’s maritime policies must align both with the government’s Vision 2050 framework and emerging European Union strategies. Xerri argued that EU policies should better reflect the realities faced by island states such as Malta, particularly as the industry grapples with digitalisation and decarbonisation requirements.

Among the forum’s proposals are measures to enhance the competitiveness of the Malta ship registry, attract investment in ship finance and support the development of clean-fuel bunkering infrastructure.

On infrastructure, the MMF reiterated its call for new multi-purpose quays within the Grand Harbour and urged the government to proceed with the long-delayed Ras Ħanżir project before works linked to the Grand Harbour Revival Plan commence. The forum also renewed calls for a full nautical risk assessment to safeguard existing and future commercial port activity.

Addressing members during the assembly, MMF CEO Kevin J. Borg outlined the organisation’s lobbying efforts in Brussels, particularly concerning the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

Borg said an MMF delegation had met European Commission officials, Maltese MEPs and European Commissioner Glenn Micallef earlier this year to highlight concerns about carbon leakage and business competitiveness arising from the current ETS framework.

While supporting the principle behind the emissions system, the forum argued that revisions are needed to better reflect the operational realities of European ports and maritime operators.

The MMF has also submitted formal positions to the European Commission regarding the EU’s Islands and Coastal Communities Communication, as well as proposed Ports and Maritime Industrial strategies.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Farrugia, CEO of Bank of Valletta, highlighted the banking sector’s role in supporting the industry’s next phase of growth.

Farrugia pointed to opportunities in ship finance and noted that the bank is exploring syndicated financing structures in collaboration with the MMF. He also emphasised the importance of financing digitalisation and green investments through partnerships with the European Investment Bank and the Malta Development Bank.

The BOV CEO underlined the importance of compliance, transparency and anti-money laundering procedures, while noting that a resilient maritime ecosystem remains critical to Malta’s wider economy given the country’s dependence on maritime connectivity.

Economic projections presented by economist Gordon Cordina showed the maritime industry continued to expand steadily between 2018 and 2025, driven by port activities, maritime business services and water transport.

Cordina said the sector now generates 4.8% of Malta’s value added while accounting for around 2% of national employment, making labour productivity in the industry more than double the economy-wide average.

He noted that future growth should increasingly focus on high-productivity services such as regulatory and governance functions, maritime finance and legal services, as well as education and human capital development.

“The industry is of systemic importance to Malta’s economic model,” Cordina said, adding that continued competitiveness and sustainability would be essential for long-term economic resilience and the successful implementation of the National Maritime Transport Strategy.

He concluded that Malta’s maritime ambitions under Vision 2050 would depend on continued innovation, private investment and political commitment to higher-value maritime services.