Malta news focus - Jan 2026
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 11
Malta re-elected to the IMO Council: Malta was re-elected to the IMO Council for the 2026–2027 biennium, confirming its role as a leading maritime nation. This re-election ensures Malta’s continued participation in IMO decision-making, particularly as the organisation implements new international rules on decarbonisation, safety, security, sanctions compliance, and seafarer welfare. MISA welcomed the news and continues to support Malta's contribution within the IMO framework.
OECD and the European Commission recommendations for a national skills strategy: The recommendations from an analytical report on Malta’s maritime sector is expected to be integrated into the government’s proposed new national maritime strategy. You can read the OECD report here. MISA has provided input in the stakeholder consultation held last year and attended a stakeholder meeting on 21 January 2026.
The Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring (GCMSM): The maritime industry is operating in an environment of heightened sanctions enforcement, increased regulatory scrutiny, and growing exposure to reputational and financial risk. The GCMSM was established by Malta and Antigua and Barbuda last year. Co-funded by the EU and other partners, it supports more than 200 global partners with effective implementation of international sanctions using advanced AI-powered systems and provides practical, risk-reducing value to shipping registries. GCMSM operates as a neutral analytical capability rather than a regulatory authority, working discreetly with registries, in time port states, and selected partners on a need-to-know basis and in line with international legal standards. This cooperative approach enhances maritime transparency and system-wide resilience without imposing additional regulatory burdens on compliant operators. See a Linked In post by the Deputy Prime Minister about the GCMSM here. The UNODC Office in Malta, co-located within the GCMSM, is consolidating the Centre’s work through capacity-building initiatives, and expert technical support – strengthening international efforts against organised crime at sea. You can also read the recent statement made by the Deputy Prime Minister at the Sanctions Compliance Symposium organised in January by the Malta Sanctions Monitoring Board here.
European School Competition: With the support of the European Commission, the Shipping Deputy Ministry of Cyprus and the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, European Shipowners |ECSA have launched an EU-wide school competition for school children aged 9–12. They are invited to share what they think what a ship will look like in 60 years by creating drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, or other artistic formats. The shortlisted projects will be invited to an award ceremony in Cyprus on 29 April 2026, alongside the meeting of EU Transport Ministers. Deadline for submissions: 27 February 2026. MISA members are urged to read more here and share the information.
National honour of merit: On Republic Day, 13 December 2025, MISA Vice President and founding member, Dott. Emanuele Grimaldi, was honoured by the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, with the title of Honorary Member of the National Order of Merit. The honour acknowledges Mr Grimaldi’s leadership within the global shipping industry and his sustained engagement at national, European, and international levels. MISA welcomed the recognition, noting it reflects the importance of experienced industry leadership for the development and resilience of the maritime sector. The honour recognises Dott. Grimaldi’s leadership in the maritime sector, his internationally recognised contribution to shipping, and his outstanding, long-term contribution to Malta’s maritime sector and international standing.
MISA Vice President and founding member, Dott. Emanuele Grimaldi, was honoured by the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, with the title of Honorary Member of the National Order of Merit.
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