Work is underway on a €44 million second phase Onshore Power Supply project at the Grand Harbour, a project that will allow more ships to plug directly into the national electricity grid, cutting emissions and noise while strengthening Malta's position as a leading sustainable port in the Mediterranean, the government said in a statement.
Following the completion of the first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system project in the Grand Harbour last year, work is currently underway on the second phase, known as OPS SHR (South Harbour Region), which will operate using both high- and low-voltage systems.
The statement said that this infrastructure will expand coverage to additional areas of the Grand Harbour, allowing Malta to further consolidate its role as a leading sustainable port in the Mediterranean.
The OPS SHR project covers a total of ten quays and will provide more than 30 new connections, enabling various types of vessels, including cargo ships, to connect to the system.
The project involves an expenditure of more than €44 million, funded through a combination of national funds and European funding from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).
During a site visit by Transport Minister Chris Bonett and Minister for EU Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, it was explained that when a ship is berthed, it typically needs to keep its fuel-powered engines running to generate electricity.
This results in significant emissions and noise. With the OPS system, ships will be able to switch off their engines and connect directly to the national electricity grid, leading to cleaner air, reduced pollution, and lower noise levels, the government said.
Bonett said the Onshore Power Supply systems continue to place Malta at the forefront of sustainable ports in Europe.
"By mid-2027, well ahead of the targets set by the European Union, the cargo vessels on which our country depends, as well as those entering for repairs, will be able to draw electricity directly from the national grid," Bonett said.
He added that together with the first project, which has been operational since last year and already serves several cruise liners, the new project will significantly reduce pollution for thousands of families living around the Grand Harbour.
Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi described the project as a clear example of how European funds are being strategically invested to deliver more sustainable infrastructure.
He said that the supply of shore-side electricity to vessels will significantly reduce air pollution and noise in the Grand Harbour, improving the quality of life of thousands of residents and workers in the area.
Zrinzo Azzopardi added that EU-backed investments of this kind demonstrate government's commitment to driving the transition towards cleaner, more modern and sustainable infrastructure, while safeguarding communities and strengthening the maritime sector.
The statement said that government is continuing to show a clear vision for the maritime sector by taking concrete steps to provide modern and clean infrastructure well ahead of European Union regulations that will eventually make such systems mandatory.
Through close collaboration with shipping operators and international companies, the government said it is ensuring that vessels entering the Grand Harbour make effective use of the system, the statement said.