In November 2022, the port, which is a subsidiary of Global Ports Holdings, was named \u2018World\u2019s Best Cruise Terminal for Sustainability\u2019 at the World Cruise Awards 2022.<\/p>\n
And in January this year, the port was declared Best Port of Call Global by Spanish-speaking cruisers at FITUR Madrid 2023 in January \u2013 indicating that sustainability can go hand in hand with a top-class cruise experience for guests.<\/p>\n
Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, says the port\u2019s sustainability credentials rely on the four main pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, social and human.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt Valletta Cruise Port we are focused on continuous sustainable improvement, whilst striving to provide the best service to our guests and customers, and simultaneously innovating services in our ports and destinations in the process contributing to the communities we operate in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Measuring environmental risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Valletta Cruise Port recently completed Phase 1 of an Environmental Risk Management System (ERMS) which will further help it meet its future green goals.<\/p>\n \u201cThis will help us to continue managing risk in a structured manner, better identifying, assessing and controlling risks that could impact the port and destination environment and communities within, whilst complying with our environmental duties and obligations and meeting community expectations,\u201d says Mr Xuereb.<\/p>\n The ERMS requires the port to undertake tasks such as compiling an inventory of legal and regulatory interfaces; surveying of all port facilities; listing and evaluating suppliers; identifying key customer groups; compiling an initial ERMS and risk register; and creating an inventory of environmental aspects.<\/p>\n Building a group of dedicated people to implement the findings of Phase 1 is the next step, says Mr Xuereb.<\/p>\n \u201cAn Environmental Committee or \u2018green team\u2019 made up of leadership team members and employees will be established to assist and offer advice in support of the environmental direction of Valletta Cruise Port. We are now waiting to hear from the relevant authorities in order to move forward into the next phases.\u201d<\/p>\n The ERMS complements Global Ports Holding\u2019s existing environmental policy, which sets out its overarching approach to environmental awareness and practices. \u201cIt aims to ensure compliance with environment-related laws and regulations and ethical principles in the countries where we operate, as well as determining relevant internal responsibilities and rules,\u201d says Mr Xuereb.<\/p>\n \u201cThe policy complies with ISO 14001:2015, which is a baseline requirement for almost all national and international \u2018green port\u2019 accreditations.\u201d<\/p>\n Sustainability milestones<\/strong><\/p>\n