Malta’s maritime sector still has significant untapped potential that we must harness

Leader of the Opposition and PN Leader Alex Borg meets the Malta Maritime Forum ahead of the Budget

The maritime sector has enormous potential that Malta must harness through ambitious investment, modern infrastructure and clear direction.

This was emphasised by the Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Partit Nazzjonalista Alex Borg said that the Partit Nazzjonalista had always recognised the strategic importance of this sector and invested ambitiously in it.

He noted that the PN and the Forum agreed on several priorities, including the need for greater investment in infrastructure, safeguarding the industry’s competitiveness and a long-term vision that provides certainty for those working and investing in the sector.

The PN Leader also stressed the importance of Malta exploring new opportunities, including in bunkering and the development of the infrastructure needed to supply cleaner fuels to vessels.

For his part, Godwin Xerri expressed the Forum’s concerns about international instability and its impact on the maritime industry, particularly following the attack on the vessel Chelsea 3 in the Black Sea.

Another key concern for the Forum is the negative impact of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System, the ETS, on the competitiveness of Maltese ports. They stressed that environmental protection must be pursued in a way that does not disadvantage Malta because of its geographical realities and its dependence on maritime transport.

The Forum also put forward a proposal for a single maritime authority with clear and focused responsibilities, alongside a mechanism for cooperation between both sides of the political divide to ensure that strategic decisions affecting the sector are based on a shared long-term vision.

The need for greater investment in maritime education and training was also emphasised, not only for those working at sea but also for professionals in related fields, including economics, law and business management.

Accompanying the PN Leader were Shadow Minister for Finance Adrian Delia, Shadow Minister for Sustainable Mobility Ivan Castillo and Shadow Minister for the Economy, Technology and Strategic Projects Darren Carabott.

The meeting was held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Valletta as part of a series of meetings with social partners in preparation for Budget 2027.

13.10.2026