The Association of Maltese International Trailer Operators (ATTO) has met a delegation from Partit Nazzjonalista led by Dr Alex Borg and comprising MEP Peter Agius and Hon. Ivan Castillo to discuss the challenges facing Malta’s logistics sector namely the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), port infrastructure limitations and the future competitiveness of the industry.
ATTO Chairman Joseph Bugeja highlighted the strategic importance of the sector to Malta’s economy and stressed the need for greater awareness of the realities faced by operators. “This is a very sensitive sector where awareness is still lacking. Crisis management is no longer an option, and it is high time that the country starts planning strategically for the future,” said Mr Bugeja.
Mr Bugeja noted that ATTO today represents 87% of cargoes moving in and out of Malta via international trailer operators, making it the leading voice of the industry. He also warned that the Grand Harbour is increasingly facing operational limitations that could hinder future growth and competitiveness if not adequately addressed.
In his remarks, Dr Alex Borg commended ATTO for its efforts in pushing the interests of the local logistics community and reiterated the PN’s full support in helping to ensure more investment in port infrastructure which would enable more efficient handling of the increase of cargoes and logistical requirements.
Hon Ivan Castillo acknowledged the challenges that ATTO’s members have been facing over the past years and stressed that it is only through constant discussion and collaboration that concrete solutions will be found.
Discussions also centred on the implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System and its potential repercussions on Malta’s maritime sector. ATTO reiterated the need for Malta to adopt a proactive approach in defending its national interests at European level.
“We must have the courage to speak up when policies do not make sense for Malta,” Mr Bugeja remarked.
MEP Peter Agius acknowledged the important role ATTO has played in recent years in bringing the sector’s concerns to the forefront.
“Over the last few years, ATTO has given a voice to this sector and has become a recognised point of reference for the industry and although the ETS issue remains an ongoing one, the battle is only just beginning.”
Hon Agius expressed concern that the previous legislature failed to prioritise the challenges posed by ETS early enough, adding that Malta must now work constructively to secure practical solutions that safeguard the country’s maritime competitiveness.
Among the proposals discussed was the possibility of seeking a temporary derogation as part of wider efforts to mitigate the impact of ETS on Malta’s maritime and logistics operations.
“This meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that Malta remains competitive and that Malta’s trailer operators continue to contribute positively to the future of Malta’s logistics sector,” concluded Joseph Bugeja.
ATTO’s delegation led by Mr Bugeja included Secretary General Tony Mifsud and several ATTO board members.
