Malta Maritime Forum Targets Professional Education
Posted by Michelle Howard
July 20, 2017
(L-R standing) Godwin Xerri, MMF Board Member and Managing Director, Focal Marine Shipping Agency, Joe Borg, MMF Chairman and former EU Commissioner, Dr Ann Fenech, MMF Board Member and President of the Malta Maritime Lawyers’ Association, Joseph Bugeja, MMF CEO and General Manager, Malta Motorways of the Seas, (seated) Michael Callus, MMF Board Member, Head of Education, Safety, Quality Sub-Committees and Director Medsea Shipping Agency, and Matt Gilbert, Head of Business & Partnerships, The In
The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and the Malta Maritime Forum have signed an MoU which will support the education of shipping professionals in Malta as part of the island’s maritime growth strategy.
The MoU formalizes informal co-operation between the MMF and the Institute which goes back 40 years and will serve as a vehicle to jointly formulate and develop activities. The MMF will build upon this link to provide the local maritime industry with formal education which is recognized internationally.
“Malta is already well served with courses for engineers, masters and lawyers, where we lack higher professional courses is for ship agency, terminal operators and port authority staff,” explains Michael Callus, Chairman of the MMF Sub-Committee for Education. “Until now, there has been reliance on on-the–job training but the changing dynamics of logistics means we have to adapt. Excellence in multimodal transport and logistics are essential for Malta to remain competitive in attracting investment.”
Under the terms of the MoU signed in mid-July, the Institute will support the MMF in delivering courses and supporting students from the start of the upcoming academic year in September 2017.
“The MMF includes in its membership a number of fellows and associates who considered the Institute as their primary education and training partner in the early stages of their career,” says Julie Lithgow, Director of the Institute. “As the Malta looks to build its market position with new professional qualifications, the Institute is delighted to be supporting the next generation of maritime professionals in their quest for knowledge and education.”
The MMF, together with various educational entities and maritime associated partners will advertise the careers available in shipping at grass roots levels, starting with Secondary Schools and ultimately will serve as a catalyst for increased maritime education and specialized courses in Malta.
