The Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) reviewed the contents of the 2026 Budget in which matters of prime maritime importance to the maritime industry are given due prominence in line with the proposals put forward by the Forum itself as well with Malta Vision 2050 which places the maritime industry at the core of the Islands’ diversified, high value-added economy.
The Forum welcomes the Minister’s announcement in favour of the setting up of a free-trade zone to serve as a regional logistics hub. This initiative is consistent with Malta Vision 2050 and has the strong potential of attracting lucrative business and investment from multinational players whilst contributing to consolidate Malta’s position as a centre of excellence in regional trade.
The Forum also noted Government’s declared position in favour of land reclamation for maritime infrastructural projects that are designed and operated by industry stakeholders. Over the years, the MMF has recognised that land reclamation initiatives have, on the whole, given significant momentum to Malta’s maritime industry and, by extension, brought economic benefits to the country. Looking ahead, the MMF maintains that decisions on similar projects should be firmly grounded in comprehensive studies, including:
- a shipping traffic risk and impact assessment
- an environmental impact assessment
- an economic impact assessment
The Forum welcomed Government’s decision to continue to cushion the economy from the volatility in the cost of fuel and energy at an international level. This is a positive development in terms of safeguarding the competitiveness of local operators in a fiercely competitive regional market given that fuel and energy are important elements in the cost-structures of maritime business operations over a number of sectors not least transport, logistics, terminal operations, ship repair and ship services.
The MMF looks forward to engaging in consultation and cooperation with the authorities on further initiatives that reflect a shared vision, including those designed to shift a greater portion of road traffic to waterborne transport. In particular, the Forum supports the introduction of a Ro-Ro cargo service between Malta Freeport and Gozo, with potential stop-overs in the Grand Harbour and the north of Malta, with the aim of:
- alleviate traffic on Maltese roads from Birzebbuġa, the Inner Harbour areas and Ċirkewwa, and
- reduce emissions of harmful CO2 pollutants due to lower generation of CO2 per tonne-mile generated by one ship compared to multiple trucks.
In conclusion, the MMF recognises the Industry’s strong position whilst acknowledging the severe challenges. It believes that through open dialogue and by uniting around shared vision and objectives, Malta can ensure that its maritime industry continues to thrive, delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits for generations to come. That said, the MMF continues to believe strongly that the future needs of the Industry would be better served with a dedicated national authority solely responsible for the Maritime Sector.
