Budget 2027: MMF proposes National Maritime Certification Centre, cadet scheme to address skills shortage

The Malta Maritime Forum is calling on Government to use the 2027 Budget to give commensurate importance to the industry, in line with the strong role and ambitious targets allocated to it in Malta Vision 2050. 

The industry, it said, required renewed attention and resources to enable it to achieve the set objectives, highlighting that the establishment of standards, key infrastructural investment and policy priorities can no longer be postponed.

The MMF submitted proposals for the national Budget consultation, including ones aimed at addressing the skills shortage, and ones regarding cargo infrastructure.

The MMF argues that, as an island economy dependent on shipping for trade, energy and essential supplies, Malta’s port capacity and maritime connectivity are fundamental to its economic resilience and prosperity. “Timely investment, maintenance and policy coordination are therefore not only priorities for the maritime industry, but national necessities,” the MMF said.

To this end, the Forum urged immediate attention to critical port infrastructure. Its priorities include restoring and strengthening the Marsaxlokk breakwater, completing Ras Ħanżir with a permanent and fixed Ro-Ro berth and creating backup options for cargo operations.

The Forum maintains that changes linked to the Grand Harbour Revival Project should not displace existing operations before suitable alternative facilities are provided.

At the centre of the proposals is a call to fund the implementation of the National Maritime Transport Strategy through a clear action plan identifying responsibilities, deadlines and measurable outcomes. The Forum is also proposing a permanent interministerial structure to coordinate maritime policy across transport, finance, energy, climate, infrastructure and foreign affairs, ensuring that urgent priorities are acted upon rather than delayed.

The budgetary proposals also include a dedicated financing framework for major maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation projects. “A meaningful share of climate funding linked to the EU Emissions Trading System – as long as this is in place - should be channelled back into cleaner vessels, alternative-fuel infrastructure, energy-efficient port machinery and digital technologies,” the MMF said.

Addressing the industry's skills shortage, the MMF recommends a National Maritime Certification Centre, a Maritime Skills Board and a national cadetship scheme.  It proposes a medium-term target of at least 600 valid Maltese Certificates of Competency, helping Malta develop its own maritime professionals alongside its internationally prominent ship register.

Other proposals include shifting cargo from road to sea through a Ro-Ro link between Malta Freeport and Gozo, developing legal frameworks for cleaner marine fuels, and establishing a public-private entity to promote Maritime Malta internationally.

Godwin Xerri, Chairman of the Malta Maritime Forum, said: “Malta cannot aspire to be a leading maritime centre while treating port resilience, maritime skills and policy coordination as secondary matters. The 2027 Budget should move beyond statements of intent and provide clear responsibilities, realistic deadlines and the resources needed for implementation. These proposals are not solely about supporting maritime operators. They concern Malta's supply chains, energy security, environmental transition and ability to remain connected to international markets. Investment in maritime capability is investment in national resilience."

The MMF presented its proposals personally and separately to the Minister for Sustainable Mobility as well as to the Leader of the Opposition and selected Shadow Ministers. It offered its support and expertise to Government, Opposition and other stakeholders on the detailed implementation of its proposals.