Imagine this: Malta, an island nation with a coastline stretching over 196 kilometres, has just 19 public slipways for boats to launch. That’s roughly one slipway per 10 kilometres of coastline. Now, picture trying to launch your boat from a tiny, overcrowded slipway on a busy summer day. That’s the reality for many Maltese boat owners. But what if there was a way to change this? That’s what a recent forum, organised by the Malta Maritime Forum, was all about.

Malta’s maritime infrastructure is in dire need of an overhaul. From the lack of slipways to the state of our marinas, the situation is grim. The recent forum, held at the Grandmaster’s Suite in Valletta, brought together experts, stakeholders, and enthusiasts to discuss and propose solutions to these pressing issues. The venue itself, overlooking the Grand Harbour, served as a stark reminder of the potential our maritime sector holds, and the urgent need for improvement.

According to the forum, Malta’s maritime sector contributes around 12% to the country’s GDP. Yet, despite its economic significance, the sector is hindered by inadequate infrastructure and governance. The forum highlighted that Malta’s marinas, for instance, are often overcrowded and lack basic amenities. the lack of slipways, as mentioned earlier, makes it difficult for boat owners to launch their vessels, thereby limiting recreational and commercial maritime activities.

Governance was another key issue discussed at the forum. The lack of a clear, cohesive policy for the maritime sector was identified as a major obstacle. The forum proposed the creation of a dedicated maritime authority to oversee and regulate the sector. This authority would be responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining maritime infrastructure, as well as promoting sustainable growth in the sector.

Currently, the maritime sector is fragmented and overseen by various ministries and entities. This lack of coordination and clear leadership has led to a patchwork of policies and initiatives that often fail to address the sector’s pressing needs. The forum argued that a dedicated maritime authority would provide the sector with the strong leadership and strategic vision it needs to thrive.

The forum’s proposals are ambitious, but they’re not without precedent. Look at countries like Norway and Denmark, which have transformed their maritime sectors through strategic planning and investment. Malta, too, can learn from these success stories and chart a course towards a more sustainable, prosperous maritime future.

But for this to happen, we need action. We need our policymakers to listen to the forum’s proposals and translate them into concrete policies. We need boat owners, maritime businesses, and enthusiasts to voice their support for these reforms. And we need everyone, from Valletta to Marsaxlokk, to recognise the potential of our maritime sector and the urgent need for change.

As the forum’s organisers put it, “Malta’s maritime future is not set in stone. It’s written in the waves.” Let’s make sure those waves carry us towards a brighter, more prosperous future.