MMF representatives led by the Chairman, Godwin Xerri met with the Opposition Spokesperson for Maritime Affairs, the Hon Ivan Castillo.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss matters of topical interest including the ETS Directive and the ensuing “Transhipment Rule; the draft National Policy for the Deployment of Offshore Renewable Energy; the proposed development of the old Pixkerija Site and the proposed extension of Dock 6 in the Grand Harbour.
On the ETS Directive, Mr Xerri explained the concerns and efforts of the Malta Maritime Forum in this regard. He said that the country could not afford to risk politicising this matter and the country needed to show a united front in order to argue the matter with the European institutions.
On his part, Hon Castillo said that the Opposition could not fault the good environmental intentions of the Directive but its implementation needed to be practical and in full respect of a fair competitive environment between EU and non-EU ports. He said that he was maintaining regular communication with the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects with a view to support the national interest in this matter of utmost strategic importance.
