On several occasions I emphasised the role that the maritime sector could play within the new realities which would emerge after Malta joined the European Union last May. Malta recognises the importance of short sea shipping in minimising congestion on European roads and the accrued benefits to the transport operators and users. Therefore, the promotion of frequent direct links to different ports in Europe is seen as beneficial not only to the Maltese business community but also a contribution to investment in environment-friendly modes.

Our intention to establish a short sea shipping office in Malta is aimed at providing a facilitator within the ports industry and advise transport users on the most suitable and effective route for their transport needs. Several steps have already been taken in this regard, particularly by the Malta Maritime Authority.

Considerable assistance has also been provided by the Italian Short Sea Shipping Promotion centre. Our endeavour in such initiatives is also being carried out with the support of the local private industry. The EU Commission is also supporting our initiatives.

This initiative forms part of our strategy to encourage the establishment of new ventures which may enhance the present traffic volumes of passengers and cargo handled in Maltese ports. One of the advantages of EU membership is that local vessel operators now have the opportunity to apply for EU funds in order to help them establish new routes which would be beneficial not only to Malta but also to other European countries.

During the last 15 years Malta has seen the development of two distinct markets within the short-sea-shipping scenario. The first market is that of vessels and ferries which cater basically for the transport of local cargo to neighbouring ports.

The other is that of feedering services which have developed as a response to the transshipment business at the Malta Freeport Terminals. In both markets we have seen considerable investment by both local and foreign ship operators in larger and faster vessels, and more investment is planned for the future. Malta is thus benefiting from a wider choice of operators and services.

The establishment of the Short Sea Promotion Centre should become a reality in a few weeks’ time and should serve to bridge any gaps between shipping lines and shippers. It will also have the advantage that it will form part of an EU-wide network of promotion centres providing the local shippers with a more comprehensive picture of shipping lines in the EU.

Malta had also welcomed the EU Commission’s initiative to revise the Trans-European Transport Network Guidelines to include the concept of motorways of the sea. In this respect we are working very hard with our EU neighbours in order to establish the necessary platform which could be used to take full advantage of this concept.

The government is also seeking to cooperate with other Mediterranean EU-member states in taking the necessary initiatives to promote the Short Sea Shipping concept within the wider Mediterranean. Malta believes that it has the capacity and the obligation to enhance the Euro-Med dimension.

The concept of short sea shipping could definitely help bring the other member states closer to Europe and achieve the Euro-med objective of a closer integration between the EU member states and other Mediterranean countries.

Within the local scenario, the Competitiveness and Communications Ministry has taken several initiatives which would help minimise bottlenecks in the transportation chain. The reforms in our ports which are currently taking place will definitely help to promote the efficient and cost-effective operation of the ports in Malta by upgrading the necessary policies and legislation.

As a small island state Malta is not in a position to combine short sea shipping with the rail network as is done on the mainland. However, we are still working on an intermodal dimension and this is to join the concept of short sea shipping with the air connections. One may argue that the volumes involved might be much smaller but it is recognised that every tonne that could be shifted from the road network by transporting cargo as close as possible to market needs has considerable benefits.

Moreover, to facilitate cargo clearance through the ports, plans are in hand to develop a Maritime Centre which will serve as a one-stop-shop for all port services. It is generally accepted that the application of this principle is effective in ensuring an efficient and customer-focused service.

Last but not least, this week I would also like to mention Malta’s commitment to safe shipping and respect to the marine environment. As I already stated on several occasions, Malta is committed that through the relevant international merchant shipping organisations such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), of which Malta is an active member, all activities related to merchant shipping should become more environmentally sustainable and safety standards steadily improved. Malta has a very good track record and has been very active in adopting and enacting legislation that is sensitive to issues affecting ship safety and environmental regulations.

Censu Galea is Competitiveness and Communications Minister