Valletta Cruise Port hosts Dr. Josianne Cutajar, European Parliament Member to a facilities tour
Valletta Cruise Port’s CEO Stephen Xuereb, together with the senior management team hosted Dr. Josianne Cutajar, a Member of the European Parliament for a tour of the Valletta Cruise Port and the Valletta Waterfront. Subsequently, Dr. Cutajar met Valletta Cruise Port Board Members for a meeting headed by Valletta Cruise Port’s Chairman Mr. Joseph Zammit Tabona. The focus of the discussion was the port’s operations and ongoing developments in the cruise industry, with a focus on sustainable tourism and maritime transport. She had the opportunity to learn more about the port’s operations, industry developments and discuss upcoming EU legislation.
During her visit, MEP Josianne Cutajar praised the significant investment in safety and environmental sustainability, whereby Valletta Cruise Port is implementing an Environmental Risk Management System (ERMS), targeting an international “green port” accreditation. Moreover, Valletta Cruise Port is supporting a €49.9 million initiative taken by the Government of Malta to develop shore-side electricity infrastructure as part of the Grand Harbour Clean Air Project.
“Valletta Cruise Port is a vital component of Malta’s transport and tourism industry, in the cruise line industry,” MEP Josianne Cutajar noted. “It is important that as a country and European Union we continue to increase our investment in the necessary technologies and infrastructure, including green infrastructure and energy supply, not only to keep up with the upcoming obligations under the FitFor55 environmental package, but also as a shift towards quality tourism. I look forward to continue to voice the Maltese transport and tourism industry’s concerns and aspirations within the European Parliament”, the MEP concluded.
Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port noted that, “2023 is indeed the recovery year for the cruise industry. Close collaboration between all parties both from a destination perspective and internationally will help us carve a sustainable path into the future. As the industry moves towards a net-zero carbon future, our ports and destinations are ready to support this shift in the future, by supporting efforts in both infrastructure and green operational practices with ESG at the core of our activity. Only in this way can we ensure that the industry will walk the talk”.
The MEP also referenced her work in the European Parliament as a Member of the Industry, Transport and Tourism Committees, including amendments she presented in relation to upcoming legislation which will affect the sector. She mentioned the Fuel EU Maritime initiative, noting that there is a provisional agreement between the Parliament and the Council. The MEP also discussed relevant provisions of the upcoming Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Regulation and maritime transport targets for shore-side electricity supply.
