The port said the guidelines were created based on the findings of facility evaluations in the light of previous and current regional events caused by the pandemic. These guidelines should be followed for all potential calls to Malta.

Valletta Cruise Port said it expects to receive the cruise lines' own protocols implementing these guidelines for approval by local authorities as soon as possible.

Valletta Cruise Port, which is part of Global Ports Holdings (GPH), started preparing for the post-COVID cruising reality in January 2020, when the pandemic was first detected.

In addition, the World Travel and Tourism Council awarded Valletta Cruise Port the Safe Travels stamp based on the strengthened protocols. As a result of this operation, Valletta Cruise Port was well prepared to welcome back the first cruise calls in August of last year, with weekly cruise calls since then.

The Valletta Cruise Port is also funding a €49.9 million project to improve shore-side electricity infrastructure, which is being led by Infrastructure Malta and Transport Malta. The first phase of this two-phased project would invest €37 million to provide shore power on the Grand Harbour's five main cruise ship quays by the end of 2023.

The underground electricity cables that will deliver electricity from an existing distribution center to the quays at Valletta's Grand Harbour have started excavation work. Ships will be able to turn off their combustion engines and switch to electrical power as soon as they berth, thanks to shore-side transformers and shore-to-ship link panels installed at each quay. Quays Pinto 4-5 are currently being renovated in this regard, according to the port.

Maritime Business World