Malta is hosting the Decarbonising the Future: Shore-to-Ship Leadership Conference at the Grand Harbour and Marsaxlokk Harbour. This event, organized in collaboration with Transport Malta and the European Onshore Power Supply Association (EOPSA), underscores Malta's commitment to global leadership in maritime decarbonisation, the government said.

In his speech, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Capital Projects Chris Bonett said: "We are not only looking to make our ports cleaner but envisioning a resilient, sustainable maritime industry that flourishes alongside our natural environment. Our ambition stretches beyond 2030; we are building a legacy that positions Malta as a global leader in maritime transport. Through initiatives like the Malta Grand Harbour Shore-to-Ship Project, we are looking towards a future where Malta's ports are centres of innovation, energy efficiency, and sustainability."

Transport Malta's CEO Kurt Farrugia highlighted the importance of long-term investments of this kind. "Thanks to shore-to-ship energy usage, Malta is laying the groundwork for sustainable and responsible port operations, setting a new standard for European ports. This initiative not only contributes to environmental goals but also demonstrates our country's commitment to a cleaner future for the entire Mediterranean region."

The conference highlighted Malta's commitment to cleaner port operations, incorporated in the Malta Grand Harbour Shore-to-Ship Project, government said. "This initiative can supply power to five vessels simultaneously, with a maximum capacity of 64MVA of electricity through 16 connection points. For the first time, the project has powered two ships at once, allowing them to shut down diesel engines and eliminate on site emissions. This technology is projected to reduce sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions by 99.6%, greenhouse gases by 60%, and overall port emissions by 40%, while nearly eliminating noise pollution."

Key themes of the conference related to technological innovation, sustainable policies, education, and workforce development, among others. "Attendees engaged in discussions through panels such as "Leadership at the Helm: Guiding the Decarbonisation Journey" and "Ports as Future Energy Hubs: Green Corridors, Fuel Choices, and the Entire Customer Journey."