Cruise liners, superyachts, and other large ships are causing serious environmental, social and health problems in the Mediterranean Sea. These vessels often burn heavy fuel oil (HFO) and other highly polluting fuels, causing air pollution, contributing to the climate crisis, and affecting the health of local communities.
Malta has Europe’s largest ship registry and is also a major cruise-liner destination, which in turn compounds pollution in busy residential harbour areas around the Grand Harbour, and other coastal towns. Additionally, proposed luxury marina expansions and private yachting facilities threaten public shoreline access, such as in Marsascala, further undermining residents’ quality of life and pushing out small-scale fisherpeople and everyday beachgoers. Although the global climate crisis calls for reducing emissions, maritime operations in Malta remain largely under-regulated.
The SOS Project tackles these environmental and social impacts of Malta’s booming maritime industry. Working with (photo)journalists, the SOS Project will study the social, environmental, and economic effects of cruise liners and superyachts. Real-life stories and data will be collected to illustrate the extent of pollution and the day-to-day consequences for local residents. To address these findings, the project will bring together harbour communities, small-scale fisherpeople, and other stakeholders in public meetings, where participants will co-create a set of political demands and actions. The proposed action plan will be shared with the wider public through an exhibition and a petition which they can sign, and will be handed over to decision-makers to express our demands.
What does the project aim to achieve?
- Cleaner Air and Healthier Communities: By pushing for tighter regulations and encouraging cleaner technologies, the project seeks to reduce emissions and safeguard residents’ wellbeing.
- Safeguarding Public Spaces: The project advocates for policies that protect public shorelines, support local fisherpeople, and uphold the rights of everyday people enjoying the sea and the shore.
- Fairer Policies and Accountability: The project calls on decision makers to enforce existing laws, introduce tougher regulations, and end practices that prioritise wealth over people and the planet
The SOS Project is supported by The Minor Foundation for Major Challenges.
