The urgent need to address the pollution generated by maritime transport is widely felt, especially in islands like Malta. Pushing for maritime transport that is clean ensures better health and improved air quality in both Malta and Gozo, MEP Miriam Dalli and Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said.
The two were commenting following a tour of the Grand Harbour on board an electric boat. The electric-powered luzzuwas developed by students from the University of Malta's engineering faculty in cooperation with private companies.
"More than one solution needs to be found for us citizens to enjoy cleaner air. We have to address different modes of transport including maritime transport. For this to be a success we have to promote more research and innovation to find solutions that actually work," emphasised Dalli, who is currently working on a law to reduce CO2 emissions from land transport.
Statistics issued by the National Statistics Office show that maritime transport in Malta contributes to 15% of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the whole transport sector.
Dr Dalli highlighted the different measures to reduce pollution from maritime transport, including the shore-to-ship systems (when a ship is berthed at port) and smaller boats which operate on cleaner energy.
With reference to the University project, Miriam Dalli encouraged more investment towards such innovative local projects that develop actual solutions.
"Smaller boats are widely used in Malta: as a means for tourists to sightsee our historical places from sea, for citizensand touristscrossing from one city to another, as well as for fishing purposes. It is important to develop varied solutions that can address these different needs," Dalli said.
Minister Bartolo said that this was an opportunity for researchers and academics to use their knowledge and their skills to develop typical products.
"Now, the next step is to commercialise this means of transport using cleaner energy for the sake of our environment," Minister Bartolo added.
Professor Joseph Cilia, Professor within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Malta,explained the latest technology used in this project so that the traditional luzzucan work with electric energy, such as lithium batteries and DT Brushless Motors.