Also present for the meeting were officials from the Malta Maritime Authority.

The cordial meeting which was described by both parties as “positive” hovered around a number of issues among which the adverse implications when vessels are being scrapped.

Minister Galea said that Malta, being the fifth largest ship registry in the world, is committed through the relevant shipping organisations, such as the International Maritime Organisation, of which Malta is an active member, to promote the awareness of the concept of ship breaking.

“We have always been very active and sensitive to issues affecting ship safety and environmental regulations,” stressed the Minister. “In fact as a result of more stringent rules and regulations pertinent to these issues, we envisage a shift of vessels registered with the Maltese flag to other countries, who offer flexible regulations. Nevertheless we have always maintained that the Maltese registry is not a flag of convenience.”

As a result of the meeting between Greenpeace and the Minister, Mr Galea said that due consideration will be given to the proposals being forwarded by the environmental organisation.

The minister added that individual actions should also move in parallel with active participation within pertinent international organisations and working groups, such as the IMO, whereby discussions and solutions are sought on various issues, therefore formulating a worldwide applicability of the way forward, both within the short- and long-term perspectives.