€6 million investment to upgrade Malta’s marine transport infrastructure 

Malta’s Transport Ministry has unveiled a €6 million upgrade of the islands marine transport systems, which includes updates on number of radar stations around Malta and Gozo, hardware and software updates on two control centres, and a ten-year maintenance agreement. 

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett said this project is one of a series of recent investments in the maritime sector, including the Onshore-Power-Supply system (OPS) as well as the rebuilding of jetties like the one in Buġibba.

This project improves the nation’s VTS system, (Vessel Traffic Services) – a crucial component of the country’s maritime infrastructure. This system allows safe and efficient monitoring of shipping movements in Maltese territorial waters. 

“Investment in the VTS system is evidence of Malta’s strong commitment to modernise its maritime sector. By investing in advanced technology and boosting international collaboration, we are ensuring safer seas and a more sustainable future for our maritime industry. This is crucial for Malta to remain a centre of excellence in the Mediterranean Maritime sector,” Mr Bonett said. 

These upgrades align with the recently launched Vision 2050, a blueprint for Malta’s longterm holistic development places the shipping and maritime sector at the centre of its economic transformation.

Some promises include to strengthen Malta’s position as a strategic logistics node, by pursing the development of new international trade routes, supported by targeted investment in port infrastructure and digital systems like these, intermodal transport links and increased capacity warehouses and customs services.

Malta has long boasted one of the world’s largest ship registries, but Vision 2050 signals the need to streamline and modernise its systems and processes.

Read more about the marine sector in Vision 2025 here. 

Image: DOI Kain Bugeja