Maltese ports – the way forward
by
Censu Galea

Many have the impression that during the summer season, in particular during the month of August, government institutions demonstrate a decline in their political and nationwide delivery and operations. It is of the opinion to some that this is the absolute contrary. Being part of the Cabinet of Ministers, I can vouch to the fact that government, during this period of time, has not in any way enjoyed a recess in its formulation of a strategic plan mapping the way forward for our country. A concrete example is the much awaited port reform. As such, the issue is currently under discussion for eventual implementation. and by October, this Ministry will be in a position to put forth its proposals to Cabinet.

Our ports are one of the main areas of internal services requiring attention and change. The reform we speak about will involve the various aspects of the handling of cargo and provision of services within our harbours, thereby facilitating present working operations together with ensuring that the level of competitiveness of domestic ports be enhanced. Thus, shipping activities will operate within a competitive harbour, resulting in further attracting new activities due to cost-effective operations.

This is being done as part of an exercise being conducted by the Ministry for Competitiveness and Communicatons, whereby individual areas are being earmarked and with a vision to enhance Malta’s overall level of competitiveness, on the various fronts of its internal market and labour force, particularly with regards to the provision of services, areas requiring attention and measures are being discussed for eventual reforms.

We want to ensure that our ports continue to increase their efficiency and where work practices are obsolete, these should be stopped or replaced. We cannot endure any further work practices which are no longer in force but still pay for them. We cannot endure any further the additions of extra costings thus making our ports uncompetitive when compared to others. We cannot persist in offering expensive services and then expect our harbours to be maritime leaders within the sector. We cannot persist in adding burdens to our industry with ghost expenses, but as this has always been an integral part of port tradition we insist that it has to be maintained that way or else the pot starts brewing trouble. Neither can we keep close at heart aged monopolies of service providers, with much to be desired about their overall delivery of responsibilities. Neither are we in a position to witness any stakeholder underlining the need for restructuring but then at the same time opposing the very main elements cardinal for its implementation. Time is now ripe for change and that is precisely what we intend doing.

Over the past number of years my Ministry has embarked on several projects aimed at improving operations in our ports, one of which was the reform implemented a few months ago to the port pilots sector, and which was carried out in a very positive way. We have recognised the crucial role that port activities and services play in our economy, both as an internal activity as well as providing support to the local industry. We promoted discussions between the social partners – setting up in the process the Ports Consultative Council; the Maritime Institute was reorganised; a Foundation for Transport Studies was set-up, whilst we supported the efforts of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (Malta).

I recently stated again the government’s intention’s of implementing a port restructuring programme at the utmost urgency during the presentation of certificates to a number of port workers, whom from this column I congratulate and augur that more will in due course be undertaking such training. Also present were the GWU Secretary General and other Union officials. During that occasion I expressed my confidence that the ultimate result will be a more efficient handling for activities within our ports resulting in a competitive environment for the operations of industry.

If we insist on being competitive, we have to tackle all the key elements and overcome the hurdles that lie within. Our port reform will require a sustained effort not only on the part of Government but also by all the other social partners including the trade unions, the service providers, various employees, ship agents, haulage operators, and the local industry. The way forward is clear, our determination too.

Censu Galea is Minister of Competitiveness and Communications

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