Fenech and Fenech Advocates recently held a maritime seminar for members operating in the maritime industry.
The seminar, held at the Chamber of Commerce, was opened by Ann Fenech, managing partner of Fenech and Fenech, who explained the extent and importance of Malta’s varied maritime presence in the world of international commerce and how Fenech and Fenech Advocates have developed four separate and distinct departments made up of the marine litigation department, ship finance, ship registration and yachting, precisely to be able to service the international maritime industry.
Transport Minister Joseph Mizzi explained the role of his ministry, underlining how the government recognises the potential of the industry and its added value to the Maltese economy. He stressed how in his view there was further room for expansion in aquaculture, repair services, education and technical services.
Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth José Herrera explained his vision for Malta’s maritime policy through the new project Malta Marittima, which aims at providing a holistic integrated maritime policy for Malta-based logistics, services, energy and food companies by driving a close collaboration between government and the industry.
The seminar was also addressed by Marthese Portelli, Shadow Minister for Transport, who highlighted the importance of the sector and how its success is based on a solid regulatory environment created by government over the years since the 1980s and the significant investment made by the private sector.
She emphasised the need for the regulator to invest in building capacity and the need for the regulator to continue to develop niches for further growth.
The seminar was also addressed by Rowena Grima, head of the Ship Registration Department at Fenech and Fenech, who spoke about ship registration under the Malta flag. Lara Saguna Axiaq, senior associate, spoke about the registration of mortgages in the Maltese register; Alison Vassallo, partner, dealt with the growth of the yachting industry in Malta; and Adrian Attard, senior associate, spoke about Malta as a jurisdiction for enforcement of maritime claims.
Dr Fenech concluded by thanking all the international and local maritime players who have over the years placed their trust in Fenech and Fenech Advocates. About 150 people attended the seminar, including maritime practitioners, members of the diplomatic corps and the judiciary.