Malta has recently completed a significant environmental protection initiative—the Valletta Shore-to-Ship Power Project. This project will greatly reduce the pollutants generated by ships entering the Grand Harbour. Specifically, it is expected to decrease cruise ship emissions by 90% and greenhouse gas emissions by 40%, effectively protecting the ecological environment of the Grand Harbour.
Completion of Malta’s Shore-to-Ship Project
At the project inauguration ceremony, Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela stated that this initiative showcases Malta’s world-leading position in sustainable maritime practices. He reflected on how, during the peak of the pandemic in 2020, this project was merely a dream. However, under the government’s strategic vision, Malta persevered, allowing many valuable national projects to be successfully launched and completed after the pandemic. The Prime Minister emphasized that merely discussing climate change is insufficient; actionable projects must be implemented to address it. The newly completed shore-to-ship power project will significantly reduce ship emissions and air pollution, directly improving the air quality and health of 17,000 households living around the Grand Harbour.
This €33 million project is directly funded by the European Commission and is the first of its kind in the Mediterranean region. Through this initiative, ships can shut down their engines and generators while docked, switching to shore power instead. This practice not only reduces noise pollution but also significantly decreases harmful gas emissions. The infrastructure can simultaneously supply power to five ships, providing a maximum of 64 MVA of electricity. This innovative project positions Malta at the forefront of environmental protection, setting an example for other countries.
The completion of this project marks an important step for Malta in environmental protection and sustainable development. In addition to the shore-to-ship power project, the Maltese government is also undertaking similar initiatives at the Freeport, aiming to enhance air quality through a series of environmental improvement projects. Prime Minister Robert Abela also mentioned that Malta has numerous ongoing projects in waste management, water resource management, and open space management. The common goal of these projects is to promote Malta as a climate-neutral island, with plans to achieve this by 2050.
For the 17,000 households living around the Grand Harbour, the completion of this project brings tangible benefits. Clean air not only improves residents’ quality of life but also reduces the incidence of respiratory diseases, enhancing overall public health. Residents can enjoy fresher air and a more peaceful living environment.
The successful implementation of the shore-to-ship power project is a significant milestone in Malta’s efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. The government’s ongoing investment and firm commitment to environmental protection lay a solid foundation for Malta’s future development. Malta’s Transport Minister Chris Bonnet explained at a press conference that this project is not only a first in the Mediterranean region but also one of the best environmental projects in Europe. Through this innovative technology, Malta demonstrates its leadership and execution capabilities in the field of environmental protection. In the future, Malta will continue to invest more resources in environmental protection and sustainable development, implementing more similar projects. Whether it is further improving air quality or promoting the use of renewable energy, Malta is steadfastly committed to the path of green development.
In summary, the completion of the shore-to-ship power project is another significant achievement for Malta in environmental protection and sustainable development. This project not only brings direct health benefits to Maltese residents but also contributes valuable experience and examples to the global environmental protection effort. As more similar projects are implemented, Malta is sure to make greater strides on the path of green development, contributing even more to global environmental initiatives.
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