Transport Malta has signed an agreement with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings allowing its cruise ships to connect to Malta's electricity grid while berthed in port, reducing emissions from vessels.

The Shore Power Purchase Agreement was signed during the Decarbonising The Future Conference, being held in Malta between 12 and 14 October.

Through the Shore-to-Ship Project, cruise ships can use electricity supplied from the shore to power onboard services, including lighting and air conditioning, instead of running their engines while in port. This is intended to reduce emissions and improve air quality in surrounding communities.

The agreement is the fourth of its kind signed by Transport Malta, extending the use of the country's shore power infrastructure and strengthening cooperation with cruise operators to reduce the environmental impact of maritime activity.

The agreement was signed by Transport Malta chief executive Leonid McKay and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings director of nautical operations Cristian Cutugno, in the presence of Minister for Sustainable Mobility Chris Bonett and chief officer of the Ports and Yachting Directorate and Harbour Master Capt. Fritz Farrugia.

In his keynote address, Bonett said the agreement showed how investment in maritime infrastructure could benefit both the cruise industry and local communities.

He said the partnership would turn Malta's investment in onshore power supply into practical action by allowing cruise ships to connect to the electricity grid while in port, reducing emissions from vessels at berth.

Bonett added that maritime development needed to be supported by modern infrastructure that improved efficiency, strengthened competitiveness and contributed to a cleaner environment for residents and visitors.

McKay said cooperation between public authorities and maritime operators was important to ensure that investment in cleaner technology delivered tangible results. He said sustainability involved investing in modern, competitive and environmentally responsible maritime infrastructure.

Cutugno said Malta's onshore power supply system, which he described as unique in the Mediterranean, had emerged as a natural choice for the company's operations as it develops its future cruise fleet.

The agreement forms part of Malta's efforts to reduce emissions from maritime activity while supporting the development of its cruise and port services.