The Malta Maritime Forum welcomed the recent update given by the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works with respect to initiatives aimed at reducing road traffic by shifting commuters to off-peak times and alternative methods of transport. Such a development ties in with government’s declared policy of promoting the maritime industry as a major contributor towards Malta’s economy.
The MMF has, in fact, long been advocating for similar measures with a view to increase the share of waterborne traffic as part of the solution towards decarbonisation and traffic congestion hence, it complements the Minister’s vision to extend such services even to the south of Malta. The Forum has also publicly recommended the introduction of a Ro-Ro service to transport cargo between the Malta Freeport and the Grand Harbour to the Port of Mġarr in Gozo possibly with a stop-over in the north of Malta. Although precise statistics on the commercial traffic between Malta and Gozo are not readily available, from reliable indications the MMF is confident that such a service will prove sustainable whilst alleviating lines of heavy vehicles from main arterial roads particularly in the North of Malta.
Data shows that trucks typically generate 0.218 kgs of CO2 per tonne mile while in comparison ships generate 0.04 kgs of CO2 per tonne mile. While sea transport still generates pollution, yet, per tonne mile, it is the least pollutant when compared to other modes of transport, particularly road transport. Figures clearly show that a shift to waterborne traffic needs to be considered as part of the solution towards decarbonisation and traffic congestion.
The MMF is particularly active on this front frequently discussing its recommendations with the local authorities and also with its counterparts in Brussels including the European Network of Maritime Clusters (ENMC) and Waterborne Technology Platform (WTP) both of which actively promote a shift in traffic from road to waterborne with a view to alleviate congestion and pollution thereby achieving the objectives of the European Union’s Green Deal Package.
The Forum embraces a wealth of knowledge and expertise on various maritime issues and specialisations within its membership and is pleased to contribute through this expertise towards the national objectives of emission reduction.
