Matthew Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of Shipping and Liner Agency of Sullivan Shipping Agencies Ltd, one of the leading agency and logistics service providers in Malta, has called for action from policymakers and the maritime industry when it comes to sustainability.

Posting on social media on Friday, Mr Sullivan said that a move towards such sustainability within Maltese ports is “extremely complex” and requires a sense of boldness when it comes to decision-making.

“Whilst it is widely accepted that shipping and our ports are vital to our island, it is also essential that the maritime industry recognises that it owes a duty of care towards the environment, the people and the economy which relies on the essential transport services,” Mr Sullivan said.

He claimed that the “journey towards effective ESG and Sustainability Goals in our ports is extremely complex and requires some bold decisions,” adding that “first policymakers and the maritime cluster need to come together and set the direction.”

Mr Sullivan stated that Malta’s resources are limited and therefore the maritime industry can no longer expect to do everything with regards to operating sustainably.

“A clear direction will ultimately also help foster investment,” Mr Sullivan concluded.

Mr Sullivan has been a part of Sullivan Shipping for almost 13 years, with him now operating as CEO of Shipping and Liner Agency, after 12 of working as a Director of Strategy, Development and Finance at the company.

He also served as a Council Member and Chairperson of the Service Providers Economic Group at The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, a role he would have for more than four years.

Founded in 1888, Sullivan Shipping has grown to become a major player in Malta’s maritime industry, representing the interests of some of the world’s leading ship owners, while also offering a wide range of services related to agency and logistics.