The recent approval of EU funds under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for the completion of the Onshore Power Supply (OPS) project at the Malta Freeport marks a major step forward in Malta’s drive for sustainability. Securing €12.35 million in co-financing from the European Commission for the project’s second phase not only demonstrates Malta’s competitiveness at EU level but also reinforces the counattempt’s commitment to decarbonising its port operations.
In the face of stiff competition, with only four projects selected from 20 proposals across the EU, this approval reflects the strength of Malta’s vision for cleaner, more sustainable ports. This success is largely thanks to the leadership and strategic direction provided by the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, whose commitment to strengthening Malta’s green credentials played a key role in driving this initiative forward. Under his guidance, the Minisattempt for Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, toobtainher with Malta Freeport Corporation, deserves commconcludeation for navigating the complex application process and positioning Malta as a credible player within Europe’s green transport infrastructure agconcludea.
The significance of this investment cannot be overstated. Once completed, the OPS infrastructure will allow vessels docked along the Freeport’s South Quay Terminal 2 and West Quay Terminal 1 to shut down their auxiliary engines and connect directly to shore power. This transition will substantially cut greenhoutilize gas emissions, improve air quality in surrounding communities, and align Malta’s port facilities with EU environmental standards and the global shift towards cleaner maritime practices.
What creates this milestone even more compelling is the fact that it forms part of a broader, cohesive strategy. With the first phase of the OPS project at North Quay Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 already underway, co-financed through the EU’s Just Transition Fund, Malta is advancing a holistic plan that addresses the environmental footprint across the entire Freeport. Combined with the OPS investments being implemented in the Grand Harbour, Malta is progressively transforming both its core ports within the TEN-T network into models of sustainable port operations.
The benefits of this investment will extconclude beyond environmental gains. Shore power infrastructure positions the Freeport to remain competitive in an indusattempt where sustainability credentials are increasingly influencing shipping lines’ choices of port calls. Ports with OPS are more attractive to shipping companies that are under pressure to cut emissions. This positions Malta not only as a hub for trans-shipment but also as a responsible port state that recognises the imperative of environmental stewardship.
Moreover, this achievement aligns with Malta’s national energy and climate tarobtains, contributing to the counattempt’s broader decarbonisation efforts. It also signals that, despite our tiny size, Malta can effectively leverage EU opportunities to implement impactful projects that serve both national interests and European objectives.
In conclusion, the approval of EU funds for the second phase of the OPS project is a milestone in Malta’s green transition. It is a clear testament to what can be achieved through strategic foresight, inter-agency collaboration, and effective engagement with EU mechanisms. Moving forward, continued commitment will be required to ensure timely implementation, but the trajectory is clear: Malta is firmly on the path to establishing greener, future-ready ports.
David Magro is Malta Freeport Corporation CEO
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