‘Maritime industry is growing and has a number of gaps’ – MaritimeMT CEO Pauline Micallef

MaritimeMT CEO Pauline Micallef has stated that the local maritime industry is growing at a healthy rate, yet it still contains a number of gaps that need to be addressed.

The maritime industry has played a vital role in Malta’s economy for various years, contributing significantly through shipping services, ship registration, vessel repair, and also port operations, among other areas. The country’s strategic location at the heart of the Mediterranean has made Malta a hub for many maritime activities, and it has also become a leading flag for the registration of ships.

Despite this, Ms Micallef, in comments given to MaltaCEOs.mt for our end-of-year series, stated that the industry still has various areas that need to be addressed and improved. These gaps will all serve as opportunities for MaritimeMT, a local dedicated maritime training centre.

Ms Micallef is an experienced finance expert and lecturer, and has served as CEO at MaritimeMT for the past three years. In 2023, she had the chance to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Commonwealth Study Conference, an event targeting some of the world’s top business leaders and decision-makers, in Banff, Canada.

What 3 words would you use to sum up your 2023?

Challenging, enriching, and memorable.

What personal accomplishment from the past year are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the fact that I managed to resist the challenges posed by the Commonwealth Study Conference I was part of in Canada.

What are you most grateful for in 2023?

My participation in the Commonwealth Study Conference.

How did you spend your New Year?

Growing the current business internationally.

What are the biggest opportunities and challenges you believe 2024 will bring?

In terms of opportunities, the maritime industry is growing and has a number of gaps. These gaps are all opportunities that sound exciting for MaritimeMT and for my personal growth.

As for challenges, it has to be employee retention, and having the right team of people to fulfil the opportunities I described.

Is there a particular skill you’d like to develop in the new year?

Discipline with work-life balance.

Is there something you’d like to change about your daily routine?

Exercise more.

Where do you see yourself in a year’s time?

In the same position but diversifying the business within the same industry.