Malta Minister Ian Tender

Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg spoke about the Governments work in the maritime sector during the launch of the new Malta Maritime Pilots pilot boat Juliet I.Minister Borg explained that with the success being achieved by our country in the maritime industry it is the Governments goal to continue working and investing to continue strengthening this industry through coordination and consultation with the same industry.The Government is committed to continue investing in the maritime industry through several initiatives with investment in both maritime infrastructure and human resources. We need to continue working with the industry to maintain the international reputation we have achieved as a country with a register of quality. We are lucky that our country is surrounded by natural harbours and it is therefore necessary for us to continue improving and growing the services our country can offer while keeping in mind the industry itself as well as the social aspect. We are aware that this sector generates a substantial amount of ancillary investment in other sectors substantial income in foreign coin and several value-added employment opportunities for thousands of people in several sectors. Despite the positive results we have already achieved the Government will continue working hard towards more growth in this sector concluded the Minister.Borg said that the number of vessels registered under the Act about Merchant Ships including yachts and fishing boats had by the end of September reached a figure of more than 8300 ships which amount to more than 77 million gross tonnes. This means a growth of 2.5 over December 2017. When it comes to the registration of superyachts Malta is also registering very positive results with almost 800 yachts longer than 24 metres registered under the Malta flag by the end of September an increase of 9.4 over December of last year. In fact Malta is nowadays the largest register in Europe and sixth in the world.The Minister explained that both during 2017 as well as during the first half of 2018 Malta also saw an increase in the number of passengers cargo and vessels which used or were given some form of service in one of our ports.With regard to cruise liners the number of passengers visiting the Maltese islands in 2017 reached a record number of over 790000 which means more than 100000 passengers over the previous year with the number of cruise liners entering Malta in the same year increasing by 9 over the previous year.At this point one continues to understand the importance of everyone involved in our ports among them these dedicated pilots which form part of the cooperative Malta Maritime Pilots which is celebrating 15 years since being set up said the Minister.He stressed the importance of the work done by these pilots as their guidance dedication and experience lead to the possibility of ships or vessels of over 500 gross tonnes and even superyachts which request the service entering and manoeuvring in our ports. This cooperative has given more than 88000 pilotage services over the last decade and registered an increase of 27 in services from 2012 to 2017. Borg also said that we must appreciate the dangers that come with this work and expressed his gratefulness towards these pilots.He also reminded those present of the investment being made by the same cooperative in the boats it purchases such as the one being inaugurated today as well as the 3.5 million investment in a training centre.Borg also expressed his appreciation of the work done by the several Directorates within Transport Malta which take care of the maritime aspect including the Ports and Yachting Directorate and the Maritime Registry Directorate.Chief Pilot Jesmond Mifsud said The Malta Maritime Pilots are proud that since being set up in 2003 they have upheld a record of 100 efficiency with a service that has never stopped in the past 15 years. This happened through great investment throughout the years. The pilot boat Juliet I is the latest investment we are making a pilot boat of 15 metres in which we invested nine hundred thousand euro. Juliet I is our eighth pilot boat and will continue ensuring that we maintain our impeccable record. The business cooperative model we uphold was also instrumental to get us where we are today.