The Malta Maritime Forum and the International Propeller Clubs, Italy joined forces to organise a four-day maritime programme in Malta.
The Italian delegation was made up of 45 professionals from the maritime sector in Italy, including representatives from Genoa, La Spezia, Milan, Naples, Ravenna, Salerno, Taras, Trieste and Venice. It also included the director general of the Italian Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.
The main focus of the visit was a full-day conference held at the Maritime Museum on April 26, in collaboration with the Malta Maritime Forum and the participation of representatives from Transport Malta, as well as the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects.
The conference covered various presentations addressing ports, shipping, logistics as well aseconomic developments. Speakers from the Maltese attendees included introductory addresses by Joe Borg, chairman of the Malta Maritime Forum, and by Jesmond Zammit, adviser to Transport Minister Ian Borg.
The first session focusing on shipping was moderated by Michael Callus and a presentation followed by MMF CEO Joseph Bugeja, focusing on the Motorways of the Sea and their impact on the Maltese economy.
Godwin Xerri, MMF board member and president of the European Shortsea Network, addressed the floor on short sea shipping from the ESN perspective. Capt. David Bugeja, chief officer and harbour master, Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, Capt. Jesmond Mifsud, MMF board member and chief pilot, together with Carolina Borg, Malta Freeport Terminals manager, gave very interesting presentations regarding their respective operations as participants on the shipping panel.
Ann Fenech, MMF board member, president of the Malta Maritime Law Association and member of the Comite Maritime International, gave a detailed presentation on the subject of properly regulated judicial sales of ships.
Ivan Falzon, registrar general of Shipping and Seamen at the Malta Flag Administration – Transport Malta, took the opportunity to highlight the advantages resulting from registering vessels under the Malta flag.
The Italian delegates covered various topics relating to ports and to the maritime and economic dimensions concerning Italy and Malta. They covered also such topics as a comparative analysis of two port models, a focus on flag framework and the views of the association of ship brokers and ship agents in Italy.
During the visit to Malta, representatives from the Italian delegation, led by president Umberto Masucci and the Italian Ambassador to Malta, H.E. Dott. Mario Sammartino, were received at Auberge de Castille by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, who was accompanied by his chief of staff Keith Schembri as well as James Piscopo, CEO and chairman of Transport Malta. The meeting with Dr Muscat was very constructive and it gave both sides an occasion to share and exchange views on many maritime topics of common interest.
During the visit to Malta, the Italian delegates experienced a port tour, organised by Tug Malta, followed by visits to Malta Freeport, Palumbo Shipyards, Enemalta and Valletta Grand Harbour.
The event included a reception and dinner at the Malta Royal Yacht Club where Dr Borg and Sig. Masucci exchanged mementos and addressed the Italian and Maltese delegates and guests.