Malta Marittima Agency together with the University of Malta will be launching the Maritime Seed Award (MarSA). This programme will fund start-up and proof-of-concept projects for the development of innovative initiatives aimed at boosting the Maritime Economic Sector.

Interested applicants are kindly invited to visit the website of TAKEOFF, The University of Malta Business Incubator at http://takeoff.org.mt/seed-funds/maritime-seed-award-2017

Applications will be received from 20th March to 25th April 2017.

Minister Mallia presides over the signing of the MOU Malta Maritime Agency and Malta Maritime Forum.

Minister for Competitiveness and Digital, Maritime and Services Economy Dr Emmanuel Mallia presided over the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Malta Maritime Forum and Malta Marittima Agency.

Malta has an active maritime industry and is home to a broad range of economic operators which range from financial services to insurance, yachting and marina management, consulting and legal services, logistics, transportation and aquaculture. Malta acknowledges that there is nowadays more recognition for maritime industries to be involved in the national and regional economies by means of maritime clusters.

Dr Mallia emphasized ‘We are here because we believe in building bonds and relationship for the benefit of the economy. This MoU is in fact in line with the Government’s philosophy to create and foster effective relations with the Private Sector and facilitate communication’

Malta Marittima Agency is still in its infancy, however, work has been underway since its establishment and in line with the European Union’s policy and Blue Growth Agenda, it is expected to be a catalyst in bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sector to further enhance the potential of our marine and maritime industries.

Read more: Malta Marittima Agency and Malta Maritime Forum

Malta Marittima attended a meeting in Brussels on Maritime innovation and science during which it voiced Malta's commitment toward Maritime innovation. Various representatives from all over the globe shared their commitments and ambitions to develop further the blue economy based on innovation and science. All attendees agreed that this sector can grow further by exploiting innovative opportunities based on scientific research.

On Monday 8th June 2015, the Parliamentary Secretary for Competitiveness and Economic Growth has launched Malta’s National Integrated Maritime Policy. The Policy document sets out the terms of reference for improved performance in the Maritime Economy taking into consideration the input of Maltese business so as to encourage further investment. The identified policy enablers are maritime education, safety & security, research and innovation and good governance. The Document highlights the main economic pillars of focus in an effort to achieve Blue Growth. The Policy seeks to promote the formation of a number of maritime clusters aimed to create collaborative platforms between the various stakeholders.

Read more: Franco Schembri, Head, Malta Marittima addresses the CPMR General Assembly in Azores