‘Shore-to-ship tech puts Grand Harbour at forefront of environmental and economic sustainability’ – TM CEO

"The shore-to-ship technology is putting the Grand Harbour at the forefront of environmental and economic sustainability. Our journey towards green ports is a necessity that will ensure a better quality of life," said Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia at the Shore-to-Ship Leadership Conference.

This event, organised in collaboration with Transport Malta and the European Onshore Power Supply Association (EOPSA), "underscores Malta’s commitment to leading global efforts in the decarbonisation of maritime operations," wrote the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works in a statement.

The Malta Grand Harbour Shore-to-Ship Project, which cost €33 million and was co-financed with the EU's Connecting Europe Facility is one of the first of its kind in the Mediterranean.

It has the capability to supply power to five ships simultaneously, with a maximum capacity of 64 MVA distributed across 16 connection points, added the Ministry. It

For the first time, the project successfully powered two ships concurrently, allowing them to switch off their diesel engines and eliminate on-site emissions. This technology is expected to reduce sulphur and nitrogen oxide emissions by 99.6 per cent, achieve a 60 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases, and cut port-wide emissions by 40 per cent, while "significantly minimising noise pollution."

The main themes of the conference included technological innovation, sustainable policy, education, and workforce development.

Transport Minister Chris Bonnett was also present, and he stated that “we are not only striving for cleaner harbours and a resilient maritime industry but also aiming for a sustainable, thriving sector that complements Malta’s natural environment."