Malta enters historic agreement with Carnival Corporation to reduce pollution in the Grand Harbour

A historical agreement has been signed between the Maltese Government with the Carnival UK & P&O Cruises, making it the first Shore Power Agreement in the Mediterranean cruise region.

Addressing a press conference at Villa Bighi in Kalkara, Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised the importance of the Shore Power Initiative. “We are here today to show how we are embracing a sustainable economic model that prioritise innovation, efficiency, and environmental stewardship,” Prime Minister Abela said.

The introduction of fully electrified cruise berths developed under the Shore-to-Ship initiative will transform Malta’s maritime infrastructure, allowing cruise ships to reduce their carbon footprint by drawing power from the grid while in port. Through an agreement signed with Transport Malta, the company’s cruise liners will be able to connect to the shore power grid.

This initiative is expected to significantly enhance air quality in the Grand Harbour, directly benefiting the thousands of residents and visitors in the region. The economic effects of this initiative are also said to be substantial.

Prime Minister Abela noted that cruise liners contribute approximately €88 million annually to Malta’s economy, with nearly €40 million directly generated by passengers during their visits. He explained how the Shore Power Agreement goes beyond alignment with European Union regulations.

“It is about leadership. It is about showing the world that a small island nation like Malta can lead the way in sustainable maritime practices,” Dr Abela said.

This strategic move reinforces Malta’s vision of becoming a hub for green innovation, integrating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind with Shore-to-Ship power. “By harnessing the power of the sun and the sea, we are not only reducing emissions but also positioning Malta as a beacon of green progress in the Mediterranean,” Prime Minister Abela said.

He reiterated that investing in sustainable practices is not only a moral imperative but also a competitive advantage as by adopting green technologies and practices, Malta is positioning itself as a leader in the Mediterranean to attract investment, creates quality jobs, and ensures our long-term prosperity. He also highlighted how the synergies at play in this project are a tangible example of what Malta’s Vision 2050 can achieve.

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett said that with the introduction of the Onshore Power Supply, the status quo has been challenged and the harbour experience is changing in a profound way. “By connecting these ships to clean, onshore electricity, we’re effectively lifting the burden of pollution from the shoulders of the surrounding communities,” Minister Bonett said. “Today Malta is a leader, setting new standards not just for us but for our neighbours too. We are proud to be five years ahead of the 2030 deadline set by the European Union, partnering today with a leader in the industry,” Dr Bonett stated. Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli was also in attendance.

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said, “P&O Cruises has a long and rich history with many of the destinations to which we sail. We listen and collaborate with them to share cultures, promote sustainable travel and develop good practices. Today we celebrate the signing of the shore power agreement as an important milestone on this journey, together with Malta and the Grand Harbour. Through these actions and our valued relationships, we ensure our cruises in Malta bring shared social and financial value, protecting the local culture and history, whilst taking steps to look after the natural environment.”

President of the European Onshore Power Supply Association (EOPSA) Roland Teixeira de Mattos said that the agreement we celebrate today between Transport Malta and Carnival is far more than a Shore Power Agreement. It is a statement and a declaration that Malta, its government and Carnival’s CEO are not waiting for change to happen, but they are making it happen. “Decarbonisation, the fight against climate change, and the shift towards clean energy are not automatic processes. They require vision, they require commitment, and they require leaders who act decisively to set the course,” EOPSA’s President said.

Carnival UK & P&O Cruises signed the agreement on behalf of Carnival Corporation & Plc, many of whose nine cruise lines including P&O Cruises, Cunard, AIDA, Costa, Holland America, Seabourn and Princess Cruises regularly call at Malta. P&O Cruises home ports every week in Valletta during the summer season as part of its Europe Fly programme which facilitates fly-cruise itineraries in the Western, Central and Eastern Mediterranean. P&O Cruises Azura is also currently undergoing a drydock refit in Malta and will then be fully equipped and ready to connect with the shore power systems.

Photos: OPM/DOI