The Malta Maritime Forum fittingly celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a special event bringing together members and key stakeholders to mark a decade of progress and collaboration within Malta’s maritime industry.
Addressing guests at the Magazino Hall, Valletta Cruise Port, Chairman Godwin Xerri paid tribute to Dr. Ann Fenech and Mr. Jospeh Bugeja, who together with him were the founders of the Forum. He also extended his appreciation for the sterling work undertaken by his predecessors, former European Commissioner Dr Joe Borg and Judge Joseph Zammit McKeon.
Mr Xerri described the Forum as “an influential body formed by the maritime community for the maritime community — to consult with the authorities and to be consulted.” He highlighted the organisation’s key achievements over the past decade, noting that these have strengthened Malta’s position amid growing regulatory and geopolitical uncertainty. “The Forum’s work has helped safeguard Malta’s attractiveness as a regional maritime hub of excellence across multiple complementary services, including ship registration,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Xerri underlined the importance of the forthcoming National Maritime Transport Strategy, which the Forum has actively promoted and contributed to. “We have long felt the need for this strategy, and we are delighted that our industry will soon have a clear vision and blueprint for its future — defining where we are heading, what resources we require, and the milestones we aim to achieve,” he added.
The event was also addressed by Hon Chris Bonett, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works and the Hon. Ivan Castillo – Shadow Minister for Employment, the Maritime Sector and Aviation. Minister Bonnett praised the Forum for its objectivity and meaningful input in shaping Malta’s position on the EU ETS as well as on a wider scale in terms of the National Maritime Strategy. On his part, the Shadow Minister commended the Forum for ensuring a unified industry voice in the national interest despite the diversity of sectoral priorities.
As the Forum marks this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to representing the collective interests of Malta’s maritime industry and to working closely with the authorities and stakeholders to strengthen Malta’s role as a leading maritime centre in the Mediterranean and beyond.
