On 24 April 2023, , Chair of the UM Maritime Platform, was invited by the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects to form part of a group of experts’ panel, in order to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the development of the waterborne sector with a delegation from the Waterborne Technology Platform. Waterborne Technology Platform is a Brussels-based industry platform established for the purpose of creating and maintaining dialogue between various stakeholders. The group of experts’ panel included invited speakers from Malta Maritime Law Association, Malta Maritime Forum, Transport Malta, The University of Malta (the UM Maritime Platform), Malta Council for Science and Technology, Aquabiotech Group and Malta College for Science, Arts and Technology.
Prof. Adriana Vella advocated for a greater reliance on local expertise already available, as demonstrated by the University Maritime Platform, with its substantial and diverse membership. Networking between various entities such as the University Maritime Platform and the Maritime Industry stakeholders strongly aligns with the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive which encourages stakeholder networking and participation as a crucial part of achieving good environmental status of marine waters in the EU.
Prof. Vella reiterated on the importance of ‘a dedicated research funding to aid the process of stakeholder involvement in order to strengthen fruitful collaborations and participation in decision making.’ She also called for a more diverse and specialised training of youths in Malta and increased local awareness through using formal and informal educational methods in order to achieve the established targets by 2030 and 2050.
In response to the research and innovation activities presented by the Waterborne Technology Platform, Prof. Vella suggested that there should also be a section dedicated to the development of associated effective monitoring and enforcement strategies to adapt and develop in line with changes and aspired targets. The importance of being able to efficiently monitor offshore activities and thus safeguard the marine environment, was also highlighted.
Membership to the University Maritime Platform is open all year round to academic members of staff with a maritime and marine interest and who are willing to contribute towards the objectives of the platform.
Further information is available by contacting Prof.Vella by email.
