During the past two-and-a-half years, I have had the privilege of meeting a considerable number of maritime stake holders and the opportunity to appreciate some of the issues first hand. I have sought together with Transport Malta to identify unique and specific opportunities more suited for Malta and to determine where Malta stands with respect to regional competition. I have questioned our preparedness for the future and most importantly how Transport Malta, as the government arm responsible for maritime issues, can continue to contribute more towards this industry.

This government has recognised the importance and the potential that this sector has and the added value it generates in Malta’s economy. We have also had some success stories that make us a proud maritime nation but also confident of what we can be in the future.

One cannot but mention the Valletta Cruise Port, which nowadays has successfully managed to attract some of the largest passenger ships afloat, the Malta Freeport, a main transhipment hub in the region, that is an indispensible tool for Malta’s economy and the Malta Ship Register, that is well renowned within the international shipping community.

Thanks to the hard work of previous and current administrations, the shipping industry has become one of the largest worldwide with over 65 million gross tons flying the Maltese flag all over the world. Today, we can proudly say that the Maltese Register is not only one of the largest but also a recognised quality flag that is managing to attract the most innovative and large ships afloat and some of the best operators in the sector.

We all agree that this industry has a huge spillover and multiplier effect on other industries and is already considerable in economic terms. There are clear new business opportunities related to the energy sector, stemming from increased activity and developments in our region, more opportunities in maritime tourism and cruise liners, further potential in leisure boating, yachting and services offered to superyachts, new developments in aquaculture, an increasing market for trading of oil products, more diverse opportunities for transhipment, strong demand for higher value marine repair services, and new opportunities in providing complementary technical services which require a high level of skill and expertise.  

Keeping Malta’s competitiveness, international positioning and attracting more business activities is a very serious responsibility and necessitates a government that not only continues to regulate but is also readily accessible to the maritime business community.

It is for these reasons that over the last two years various initiatives were taken to further enhance Malta’s position as an international maritime centre. This was done, inter alia, through the conclusion of a number of bilateral agreements with leading maritime nations such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia. There are ongoing negotiations for similar agreements with Georgia, Singapore, Iran and Albania. Moreover, I have personally embarked on discussions with other maritime nations such as Cyprus, Georgia, Turkey, Singapore and Greece, with a view to ensuring that we have a coordinated position on issues of common interest both at EU and international level.

We are committed to continue supporting the work of the International Maritime Organisation and continue our active participation in discussions with the European Union in this field, and work undertaken by the Union of the Mediterranean. As one would expect, the maritime agenda and regional cooperation will feature prominently during Malta’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2017. For this, we will rely on all stakeholders to play an important role in drawing up a strong programme, which, while showcasing Malta’s success story in the maritime industry, embraces the opportunities of further growth.

Allow me now to turn to some of the risks which, in my opinion, the Maltese maritime sector will face in the years to come.

The realities of the very finite physical resources, external competition and very limited domestic market remain and dictate that we must focus more than ever on providing excellent services to our international partners, by being outward looking and by reacting fast to secure promising opportunities.

I am under no illusions. Taking the next step to mitigate these risks and capitalising on opportunities necessitates an extraordinary effort to overcome the barriers and make the collective leap to a higher level.

Addressing capacity issues is another primary challenge which requires investment. If we are truly convinced about the economic contribution and the potential of this industry we must do what other sectors have done. Invest in apprenticeships. The issue of training and education is therefore crucial for the long-term sustainability of the maritime sector. There is no way we can ever hope to keep up with the constant changes in the market if we do not have a constant flow of trained young people who are well prepared to take up the new opportunities.

I will not make apologies for being ambitious. I want Malta to be recognised as one of the most important maritime centres in the world and spread the word that we’re not just open for maritime business but that we will scout relentlessly for new business around the globe.

One of my main dilemmas is simply that we do not blow our own trumpet loud enough about our maritime industry. Considering its influence and importance, it has an unaccountably low public profile. When was the last time you read a story about our maritime industry on the front page of newspapers?

For example, how many of you are aware that Malta was re-elected to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation in third place in category C, only after Singapore and Turkey, which are considered big maritime centres.

The government has repeatedly declared its vision and commitment to this industry. However, the further development of an industry is a process and it is our task, through Transport Malta, to take this vision and change it into measurable and tangible targets in order to take Malta from its position within the industry to a better one. 

Mr Mizzi is the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure