ATTO chief calls for ‘courage to speak up when policies do not make sense for Malta’

The top representative for Malta’s logistics sector is calling on the country’s politicians to take a more proactive approach in defending its national interests at European level.

"We must have the courage to speak up when policies do not make sense for Malta," said Association of Maltese International Trailer Operators (ATTO) Chairman Josef Bugeja.

He made the comments in a meeting with a delegation from the Nationalist Party (PN), where they discussed the challenges facing Malta's logistics sector.

These include the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), port infrastructure limitations and the future competitiveness of the industry.

ATTO remarked that Malta needs a strategic plan for the logistics sector as the problems that they are facing one day after another could have a negative impact on such a sensitive sector. ATTO Chairman Joseph Bugeja highlighted the strategic importance of the sector to Malta's economy and stressed the need for greater awareness of the realities faced by operators.

"This is a very sensitive sector where awareness is still lacking. Crisis management is no longer an option, and it is high time that the country starts planning strategically for the future."

Mr Bugeja noted that ATTO today represents 87 per cent of cargoes moving in and out of Malta via international trailer operators, making it the leading voice of the industry. He also warned that the Grand Harbour is increasingly facing operational limitations that could hinder future growth and competitiveness if not adequately addressed.

Discussions also centred on the implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System and its potential repercussions on Malta's maritime sector – a topic ATTO has long expressed serious concerns about.

In his remarks, the leader of the Opposition Alex Borg commended ATTO for its efforts in pushing the interests of the local logistics community and reiterated the PN’s full support in helping to ensure more investment in port infrastructure which would enable more efficient handling of the increase of cargoes and logistical requirements.

Shadow Minister for Sustainable Mobility Ivan Castillo acknowledged the challenges that ATTO’s members have been facing over the past years and stressed that it is only through constant discussion and collaboration that concrete solutions will be found.

MEP Peter Agius also acknowledged the important role ATTO has played in recent years in bringing the sector's concerns to the forefront.

Mr Agius expressed concern that the previous legislature failed to prioritise the challenges posed by ETS early enough, adding that Malta must now work constructively to secure practical solutions that safeguard the country's maritime competitiveness.

Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of seeking a temporary derogation as part of wider efforts to mitigate the impact of ETS on Malta's maritime and logistics operations.

ATTO’s delegation led by Mr Bugeja included Secretary General Tony Mifsud and several ATTO board members.