The regeneration of the Grand Harbour represents a major opportunity for our country, but every decision must be guided by one simple principle of common sense, the Nationalist Party said Saturday.

First, we need to know precisely what the maritime sector will require, particularly when it comes to safeguarding the supply of essential goods Malta needs to continue functioning, remain competitive and enable the sector to continue growing and expanding. Only then should decisions be taken on how the Harbour's space is to be used and developed - not the other way round.

The Grand Harbour is critical national infrastructure and one of the most strategically important assets of an island nation such as Malta. Cargo and Ro-Ro operations, ferries, cruise operations, ship repair, bunkering, pilotage, towage and a range of other services all depend on it and form an integral part of our economy, connectivity and national resilience.

This is why we cannot reduce, compromise or irreversibly allocate space that may prove essential to the future operation and growth of the maritime sector before we have a clear, detailed and data-driven understanding of the country's needs, the PN said.

This becomes even more important at a time when the industry is changing rapidly. Vessels are becoming larger, requiring greater depth, more turning space, stronger quays and more advanced traffic-management systems. At the same time, the transition towards alternative fuels, shore power and new bunkering systems will require greater flexibility and more space, not less.

Before any decision is therefore taken that may be difficult or impossible to reverse, there must be wider consultation with the sector, further independent studies, more data and significantly more detailed and holistic planning. All of this must take place before any works begin that could restrict or affect the Harbour's future capacity, the PN added.

This should include Nautical Risk Assessments, studies on quay occupancy and port capacity, vessel manoeuvring and traffic flows, dredging, quay reinforcement, logistics, the impact on existing operators and concrete plans for any relocation. Where an operator is required to move, an adequate and fully operational alternative must be in place before the space currently being used is lost.

The Malta Maritime Forum, following consultation with its members and in its role as a leading voice of the maritime sector, has itself called for "holistic long-term planning", "independent Nautical Risk Assessments" and the safeguarding of continuity for existing operations.

The MMF, the PN said, has also stressed that the development of the Grand Harbour must protect its commercial and strategic functions, retain the flexibility required to meet future needs and ensure adequate solutions are in place for operators before any relocation takes place.

Before discussing infrastructure, there must first be a clear vision, followed by serious studies based on concrete data, broader consultation, clear priorities and detailed planning in the interests of both the Grand Harbour and the country as a whole.

The statement was signed bu Ivan Castillo, Shadow Minister for Sustainable Mobility, and Julie Zahra, Shadow Minister for Climate Change and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour.