Maritime Sector Conference Draws Over 190 Researchers from Across the Globe
In a significant move towards addressing the pressing sustainability concerns of the maritime and marine sectors, Malta played host to an illustrious gathering last week. Over 190 experts and researchers from 19 countries convened at the University of Malta’s Maritime Platform to delve into the challenges of maritime sustainability.
Spanning three days, the conference, titled Innovation in Marine & Maritime Sustainable Developments: Research and Applications, connected academics, industry frontrunners, and policymakers to exchange insights and propose solutions. Topics covered included ocean governance, biodiversity protection, technological decarbonization, and maritime law.
Set against the historic backdrop of the University’s Valletta campus, the conference highlighted the mounting global pressures exerted on marine ecosystems. Such pressures stem from conflicting interests in shipping, energy production, tourism, conservation, and coastal development. The event resounded with a call for reinforced governance frameworks, enhanced legal standards, and the robust inclusion of environmental considerations in maritime strategies.
This gathering drew contributors from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States, showcasing over 25 institutions. A select group of 18 keynote speakers included esteemed figures such as Professor Aykut I. Ölcer from Turkey, Professor Simone Borg from Malta, former EU Fisheries Commissioner Karmenu Vella, and Italy’s Professor Irini Papanicolopulu, each spotlighting marine governance, legal standards, and innovation.
The conference’s panels and presentations traversed diverse disciplines and policy territories, tackling everything from decarbonizing maritime transport and ship retrofitting for 2030 emission benchmarks, to employing DNA barcoding in biodiversity studies, monitoring underwater acoustic disturbances, and evaluating coastal zone legal protections amid varied political landscapes.
Innovative strides in digitalization, vessel emissions scrutiny, and marine spatial planning were at the forefront, alongside explorations into sea grass’ capacity to trap marine debris and the ecological assessment of fisheries.
Maltese political figures also lent their voices to this critical discourse, underscoring the country’s growing investment in maritime sustainability. Opening insights were shared by Parliamentary Secretary for Research, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, and University Pro-Rector, Frank Bezzina. Further sessions were headlined by Environment Minister Miriam Dalli, Transport Minister Chris Bonett, and Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg, each emphasizing their sectoral responsibilities.
In his closing remarks, Shadow Maritime Minister Ivan Castillo advocated for heightened public funding in marine research, while Australian High Commissioner Matt Skelly orbited the global stakes tied to efficacious ocean governance.
Attendees were also privy to a selection of local sites exemplifying Malta’s strides in sustainable maritime development. Tours included the University’s Institute for Sustainable Energy, where cutting-edge solar and wind solutions are in the pipeline, and the Marsaxlokk coast, home to Malta’s inaugural Tsunami Warning System. Other venue visits incorporated Xrobb l-Għaġin coastal park, MaritimeMT training venues, and the International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI).
This conference has been lauded by organizers as a pivotal moment in the University Maritime Platform’s endeavor to unify academia and industry. According to Chair Professor Adriana Vella, the rich discussions and findings from the event are set to contribute to upcoming publications and advisory documents for both Maltese and EU authorities, benefiting from the support of the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Malta Enterprise.
Organizational backing stemmed from the University’s Conference Unit, with financial assistance from the Parliamentary Secretariat for Education and Research, complemented by the Ministry for Transport and Transport Malta.
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