Malta-Genoa shipping costs up 40%, MEP warns EU
Daniel Attard says island states face disproportionate supply challenges, with each trailer journey now costing an extra $740
Every trailer journey between Malta and Genoa costs an extra $740, marking a 40 per cent increase in shipment costs, Labour MEP Daniel Attard told the European Parliament on Thursday.
Speaking during a debate on the security of supply of essential goods, Attard highlighted the disproportionate challenges faced by island states such as Malta as a result of their geographic realities.
He called on the European Union to take greater account of the differing circumstances of its member states, especially small island states like Malta which has no alternatives other than maritime transport for the import and export of essential goods.
He added that for Malta, security of supply is a matter that directly affects daily life.
“A simple storm leaves our supermarket shelves empty, let alone a war. We have no alternatives. We depend on maritime transport,” Attard said.
He highlighted the rising costs of maritime transport on which Malta depends entirely.
“Today every trailer journey between Malta and Genoa – a distance of 700 nautical miles – is costing us an additional $740. That represents a 40 per cent increase in costs,” Attard said.
He added that 60 per cent of trailers leaving Malta return empty because of the structural trade imbalance Malta faces.
Attard argued that these realities place a disproportionate burden on island and peripheral regions, pointing out Malta was being penalized “because of our country’s geographical position and characteristics”.
While reiterating that Europe should treat all member states fairly, Attard insisted that European should recognize the different realities faced by each nation.