In order to survive, and to sustain its economy, Malta requires to import most of its commodities, whether consumables or raw materials. This reality implies that the efficient functioning of our ports is vital for the well-being of our economy.

Our two major ports, Valletta and Marsaxlokk, are both engaged in international trade. The latter is among the major Mediterranean transshipment ports with a throughput of 1.4 million teus operating within a hub and spoke concept. Valletta is a major Mediterranean cruise port and effectively a multi-purpose and multi-user port that is currently seeking to identify specialised market niches.

In order for ports to survive and to be of service to their diverse clients, it is now well recognised that they have to adapt themselves to the continuously evolving shipping trends and the necessities of perhaps far-distant clients.

The non-acceptance of justified change in the way we operate ports could be the result of lack of knowledge or the lack of conviction. Through the past decades Maltese ports had, often out of necessity, to adapt themselves to the realities of the shipping and maritime industries in general. This is an on-going process that is yielding results that have to be constantly monitored if the present market share has to be retained and increased.

Sometimes generating awareness among port service providers and administrators to adapt themselves to change could be a laborious process. One would not exclude that this could be due to the lack of dialogue and the inherent fallacious needs to protect one’s vested interests. It is often an educational exercise and a long process of persuasion.

But since ports exist to serve their hinterland and since ports have to survive within a competitive environment, it is only natural that policy-makers have to promulgate justified reforms.

Malta’s trust towards the privatisation of the provision of port services is gradually producing results Almost all port services are now privatised. Cargo-handling operations at the port of Valletta, that today are subject to service management arrangements between the harbour authority’s handling agent and the ship, shall soon be privatised following a call for expressions of interest.

Recent studies identify the considerable potential of the port of Valletta, given the islands’ geographical position, the development of an administrative and working environment that is conducive to yielding results and the development of the required facilities. The authorities are willing to discuss with prospective bidders not only the nature of port activities they would identify but also public private partnership initiatives that could lead to the better utilisation of the port.

This notwithstanding, today Malta is a member of the EU and hence the EU acquis is of utmost importance since our maritime legislation is harmonised with that of the EU. The transposition of this acquis was not an easy process since, while adopting the said EU acquis, it had to be ascertained that the outcome had indeed to be beneficial to the islands and its ports industry. It required to be ascertained that the transposition of EU legislation indeed reflected the peculiarities of the islands. The way forward is to facilitate trade that could only result from the striking of a delicate balance.

Malta endeavours to maximise on the possibilities that are afforded by the EU through the evaluation of the EU maritime-related initiatives such as Short Sea Shipping and Motorways of the Sea. Theoretically, the possibilities of shifting cargo for roads to sea on a 315 square kilometre island are limited. This notwithstanding, Malta firmly believes that given its geographical position it could collaborate towards the EU objectives in these respects by serving as a hub for the southern European hinterland.

The EU indeed considers and respects the peculiarities of its member states, particularly peripheral island member states. The EU has recognised that Malta’s contribution towards Short Sea Shipping and Motorways of the Seas can be attributed to the definition of an inter-modal-hinterland and to the recognition of the hub-and-spoke concept, wherein feedering services can indeed contribute towards overall defined objectives of the EU.

Given the important role that Shipping has for Malta, I must also emphasise that pollution prevention and the safety of navigation in local waters is a major priority.

Over the past year the Ports Directorate’s efforts at updating legislation related to pollution prevention and the safety of navigation in local waters has been intense. The authority is also actively involved in the Maritime Security Committee headed by the Competitiveness and Communications Ministry. Through the participation and cooperation of the various organisations, including the Police Force, the Armed Forces of Malta and Customs, a greater coordination in related spheres of activity will be brought about by the parties concerned.

Several other initiatives were headed by the Malta Maritime Authority, which were instrumental for the successful implementation of a number of security provisions that led to the certification of the IMO ISPS Code directives and also the EU maritime security recommendations. With this in mind, I cannot overemphasise Malta’s drive to continue with its initiatives for the adoption of a wider concept of maritime security not only locally but throughout Europe and the rest of the world.

Censu Galea is Competitiveness and Communications Minister