Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Joe Mizzi addressed Greek ship owners at the 13th Annual Greek Shipping Awards organised by Lloyds’ List in Athens, Greece.
The event was a good opportunity to promote the Malta Ship Registry before the extensive gathering of leading Greek ship owners which the organizers bring to this event, a government statement said. This was also an occasion to continue to showcase the maritime services provided by Malta, as a leading shipping centre in the world.
According to the latest official statistics, there were over 70 million gross tons registered under the Malta flag, thus making Malta one of the leading flag jurisdictions in the world, especially in the Greek market. During the visit in Greece, a number of meetings were held with leading ship owners and there was a firm commitment for the registration of another eight ships under the Malta flag. This augurs well for the future of the Malta flag.
Several shipping companies operating ships under the Malta Flag were amongst the winners of this year’s awards, thus re-affirming the prestigious profile of the Malta Administration and reflect the excellent services provided by Transport Malta, particularly the Merchant Shipping Directorate. On the occasion, the Minister took the opportunity to highlight Malta’s achievements in this sector and reaffirmed the Government’s firm commitment towards the further competitive and sustainable growth of the shipping industry. This was also an occasion to reaffirm the commitment of the Maltese flag Administration to continue provide a good level of service that is of added value to the industry.
The event, fully subscribed with nearly 1,200 key shipping executives attending, celebrates Shipping and the Seafaring Industry in a nation renowned as the leading maritime hub in the med. As the leading ownership jurisdiction in the world, Greece is a very important market for the Malta flag. Apart from being the world’s largest fleet, Greek-owned fleet represents the world’s most traditional and vibrant maritime community whose presence is spread all over the world.
Reflecting these attributes, the Lloyd’s List Greek Shipping Awards are among the most coveted accolades in the shipping world. Since 2004, the iconic Greek Shipping Awards trophy has become an emblem of excellence and achievement in the Greek maritime industries and their business partners. It is also an essential meeting point for Greek shipping and its friends, and a unique opportunity to look back on some of the year’s most important moments and meritorious players.