Innovation in Marine & Maritime Sustainable Developments: Research and Applications was the overarching theme, title and focus of a full 3-day conference organised by the University of Malta Maritime Platform. This conference attracted local and international experts, including academics, researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers and provided a forum to share innovative solutions in a fast-changing world.
Ocean governance and sustainability are central to addressing the escalating environmental, economic, and social challenges facing marine and maritime regimes. As the ocean becomes increasingly crowded with competing uses—from shipping and energy production to conservation, tourism, and coastal development—governance systems must evolve to ensure the equitable, effective, and ecologically-sound management of maritime resources. Sustainability, in this context, requires a long-term, systems-based approach that reconciles economic growth with the protection of biodiversity, climate protection, and the well-being of coastal and maritime communities.
Over 190 authors contributed towards this conference from over 25 institutions across 19 countries, including Malta, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Sweden, Greece, U.K., the U.S., Israel, Albania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria.
The goal set for this conference was to bring together a rich programme of oral and poster presentations, that illuminate the latest research in applied innovation, and that can best serve to address some of the most pressing concerns in the marine and coastal realm.
Over 190 authors contributed towards this conference from over 25 institutions across 19 countries, including Malta, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Sweden, Greece, U.K., the U.S., Israel, Albania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Nigeria.
18 invited key experts for the different conference themes included: Prof. Aykut I. Ölcer, Dr Ioannis Filippopoulos, David Kerr, Dario Bocchetti, Patrycja Enet, Prof. Irini Papanicolopulu, Prof. Simone Borg, Hon Karmenu Vella, Dr Murat Sümer, Prof. Tonio Sant, Prof. Ruben Cuschieri, Professor Anastasia Kiritsi, Claudia Vella Casagrande, Darrin T. Stevens, Michelle Borg, Antonella Vassallo, Captain Fritz Farrugia. These experienced presenters shared their expertise paving the way to critical discussions and exchanges with the stakeholders present during the conference and panellists’ sessions.
Thoughtful messages and addresses were presented by Hon. Keith Azzopardi Tanti Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research and Innovation, Pro Rector Prof. Frank Bezzina and Prof. Adriana Vella UMP Chair opening the conference. Prof. Inġ. Simon G. Fabri opened the Technology innovations session, followed by Hon. Chris Bonett, Minister for Transport opening the Maritime session. The second day of conference saw Hon. Minister Miriam Dalli delivering her message for the Environment session and the Hon. Ian Borg Deputy Prime Minister delivering a detailed and inspiring speech opening the Governance session. The conference also welcomed the concluding messages from Hon. Ivan Castillo, Shadow Minister for Maritime affairs, social dialogue and fight against cost of living who emphasised the need to support innovative research with essential funds; H.E Matt Skelly, Australian High Commissioner to Malta added considerations of the global relevance of this conference and sustainable advancements. Prof. Adriana Vella, Chair of the University of Malta Platform, brought to the fore the accomplishments of the conference through active participation and dialogue and encouraged increasing cross-sectional awareness and knowledge-sharing for effective conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystems while upscaling research and innovation.
The diversity of themes varied from technology and maritime industries to environment and governance. Topics ranged widely, including: innovations in decarbonisation and digitalisation to water quality and vessel emissions monitoring technologies and Ship Retrofit for 2030 targets. Delving into environmental discoveries, topics ranged from marine litter interception by sea grass, valuation of ecosystem-based fisheries, to DNA barcoding assessment of marine biodiversity and biosecurity frameworks for alien species, biogeochemical mapping of marine extreme events, the safeguarding of coastal heritage from environmental hazards and the role of collaboration for marine innovation. Furthermore, studies on how maritime activities impact marine turtles, cetaceans, and coral systems, and investigations into the legal dimensions of coastal protection in varying geopolitical contexts, macro-litter accumulation and underwater noise pollution monitoring in line with Marine Strategy Framework Directive were also presented.
The UMP conference co-chairs, indispensable backbone of this international event, included Prof. Adriana Vella (UMP chair), Dr Ritienne Gauci (UMP deputy chair), Prof. Inġ. Simon G. Fabri (Pro Rector for Research), Prof. Patricia Vella de Fremeaux, Prof. Matthew Montebello, Dr Thérèse Bajada, Ms Miriam Camilleri, Prof. Inġ. Robert N. Farrugia and Dr Felicity Attard.
The diversity of themes varied from technology and maritime industries to environment and governance. Topics ranged widely, including: innovations in decarbonisation and digitalisation to water quality and vessel emissions monitoring technologies and Ship Retrofit for 2030 targets. Delving into environmental discoveries, topics ranged from marine litter interception by sea grass, valuation of ecosystem-based fisheries, to DNA barcoding assessment of marine biodiversity and biosecurity frameworks for alien species, biogeochemical mapping of marine extreme events, the safeguarding of coastal heritage from environmental hazards and the role of collaboration for marine innovation. Furthermore, studies on how maritime activities impact marine turtles, cetaceans, and coral systems, and investigations into the legal dimensions of coastal protection in varying geopolitical contexts, macro-litter accumulation and underwater noise pollution monitoring in line with Marine Strategy Framework Directive were also presented.
Effective ocean governance is inherently multi-layered, involving international legal instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), regional cooperation mechanisms, national regulatory frameworks, and local planning initiatives. The integration of environmental objectives into these legal and institutional arrangements is vital to safeguard ecosystems from the cumulative pressures of maritime pollution, habitat degradation, and the impacts of climate change. Tools such as marine spatial planning, emissions regulation, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting frameworks are essential for coordinating sectoral interests and ensuring that sustainability goals are embedded in both public policy and private enterprise.
Site visits as the last part of the conference included visits to laboratories of the University of Malta Institute for Sustainable Energy, where innovative solar and wind energy solutions are being developed. At Xrobb l-Għaġin Park, participants could witness the impacts of coastal erosion on cultural heritage assets, while at Marsaxlokk they observed how Malta’s first Tsunami Warning System offers a unique look at local approaches to geohazard preparedness and coastal resilience. The MaritimeMT and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) were also part of the other varied site visits available for participants. Prof. Luciano Mulé Stagno, Prof. Ruben Paul Borg and Dr Matthew Agius supported these field visits at Marsaxlokk. Mr Alan Amato and Ms Pauline Micallef supported the visit at MaritimeMT and Ms Elda Belja and Professor Norman Martinez took care of the visit at IMLI.
Organisational support was provided by the University of Malta Conference Unit at the Valletta Campus led by Ms Lucienne Bugeja, whilst outreach and promotion support was provided by the Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office led by Mr Pierre Cassar.
The conference website which carries the conference proceedings is available online.
The mission and the spirit of the University Maritime Platform which is to synergise research and education across academic and industry partners, and to build informed maritime development through knowledge exchange and stakeholder engagement was accomplished through this successful international conference that promises to lead the way to engaging and useful publications and reports for authorities in Malta and EU, supported by the Environment Resources Authority (ERA) and Malta Enterprise.
Sponsors that made this conference possible include the Parliamentary Secretariat for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, with additional support from the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works and Transport Malta.
Organisational support was provided by the University of Malta Conference Unit at the Valletta Campus led by Ms Lucienne Bugeja, whilst outreach and promotion support was provided by the Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office led by Mr Pierre Cassar.
The conference website which carries the conference proceedings is available online.
