The Malta Maritime Law Association during the Annual General Meeting held on 24th March, 2026 confirmed the appointment of Dr. Matthew Attard as President together with the appointment of the Executive Committee Members for the 2026-2029 mandate.
- Dr. Nicholas Valenzia – Vice President
- Dr. Anthony Galea – Vice President
- Dr. Adrian Attard – Treasurer
- Dr. Lisa Camilleri – Secretary
- Dr. Anndrea Moran
- Dr. Andrew Massa
- Dr. Robert Radmilli
- Dr. Fleur Delia
- Dr. Peter Grima
- Dr. Matthew Xerri
- Dr. Edward Meli
- Dr. Stephan Piazza
While thanking outgoing committee members for their contribution we wish the President and Committee Members all the best.
The Malta Maritime Law Association recently organised an engaging seminar titled “Sailing Towards a Digital Ship Register”, bringing together key stakeholders to explore the future of maritime and corporate registries in an increasingly digital world.
The seminar was honoured by the presence of Hon. Minister Chris Bonett and Hon. MP Ivan Castillo as a distinguished speakers, whose contributions set the tone for insightful discussions on innovation and regulatory evolution.
A central highlight of the event was the panel discussion on “Shipping and Corporate Registries in the Digital Era”, moderated by Dr. Stephan Piazza, Chair of the MMLA Education Subcommittee.
The panel brought together a diverse group of experts:
* Dr. Alessia Carbone – Director, Sanction Monitoring Board (Transnational Threats and Sanctions)
* Ms. @Natalia Farrugia – Senior Manager, Malta Business Registry (MBR)
* Ms. Alexandra Ellul Dodevski – Projects Coordinator & EU Funding, Transport Malta
* Dr. Anndrea Moran – Co-Chair, MMLA Strategy Subcommittee
The discussion explored the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation, highlighting the importance of innovation, compliance, and collaboration in shaping the future of Maltese maritime services.
A big thank you to all speakers, panelists, and attendees for contributing to such a forward-looking and impactful seminar.
Overview of the event
- Top Industry Professionals
- First-hand accurate knowledge on current industry trends and challenges
- Limited Seats
- Supported by industry pillars
- Networking Coffee breaks
Date: Tuesday, 28th October 2025
Location: Hyatt Centric
On 17th of October the President of the MMLA together with the Executive Committee invited to the Malta Maritime Law Association’s 30th Anniversary Celebration. 90 delegates from the Maltese Legal Community gathered in the charming venue of the National Library in Valletta.
The Event witnessed the participation of key maritime speakers who, over the years, have contributed and will continue to consolidate and strengthen the MMLA’s role as a forum and principal stakeholder within the Maltese Shipping Indcontinue to consolidate and strengthen the MMLA’s role as a forum and principal stakeholder within the Maltese Shipping Industry.
After the keynote speech from Transport Minister Dr Chris Bonett,
the present MMLA President Dr Matthew Attard and the previous MMLA President, now President of CMI, Dr Ann Fenech, welcomed the audience.
After the speeches, panel discussions followed. Former MMLA President Dr. Tonio Fenech moderated the first panel. Together with Dr.Max Ganado, Dr. Kevin F. Dingli and former Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen Mr. Lino Vassallo they delighted the audience with anecdotes regarding the set up, challenges and achievements of the MMLA during the first three decades of the Association.
Dr Stephan Piazza moderated the second panel which looked at the upcoming challenges of the Maltese Shipping Industry. With the participation of Mr.Godwin Mifsud (Perm. Secretary at the Minstry of Transport), Mr Ivan Castillo (Shadow Minister for Transport), Dr Marthese Portelli (CEO of the The Malta Chamber) and Dr. Claudia Vella Casagrande (Secretary General at the Malta International Shipowners’ Association) the Panel focused on the role of Malta within the European context and how key players such as the MMLA together with authorities and maritime stakeholders can continue safeguarding the interests of the Maltese Shipping Industry.
The event concluded with the presentation of a small gift to the former MMLA Presidents Dr Tonio Fenech and Dr Ann Fenech.
On 7 August the Malta Maritime Law Association jointly with the Malta International Shipowners Association organised an information session on Implementation Requirements for Shipping Companies to comply with EU Emissions Trading System.
After a short welcome from MMLA Secretary Dr Lisa Camilleri and MISA General Secretary Dr Claudia Vella Casagrande Mr Saviour Vassallo, Acting Team Leader of the Climate Change Unit at the Malta Resources Authority gave a very exhaustive presentation about the ETS mechanism recently extended also to the Shipping sector.
In the first part of his presentation, Mr Vassallo spoke about the MRV-Shipping Regulation and the key elements relevant to ETS-Maritime; Reporting at company level; and the key elements of the ETS Directive for Maritime Transport. He gave definitions as to who is, in this context, considered a shipping company and elaborated on the role of the ship owner, ISM and of others (e.g. bareboat charterers); Mr Vassallo further explained the rules of attribution to an administering authority in respect of a shipping company; the geographic scope; accounting for emissions: phase-in for surrender obligation; Derogations and Deadlines.
The second part of his presentation was dedicated to the Implementation of ETS for Maritime Transport: practicalities including Identifying who is the ‘shipping company’; Thetis-MRV: attribution; monitoring plans submission; annual reports submission; The MOHA process and additional information sources.
Throughout the event, Mr Vassallo replied to questions from members in attendance both in person and online with Dr Stephan Piazza, Chair of the MMLA Education Subcommittee moderating.
