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Navigating Benefits and Challenges: The Impact of Cruise Liners on the Maltese Islands

November 26, 2024 // Article by: Yasmine Jo Micallef & Rebecca Borg

February 10, 2025 // Video by: Yasmine Jo Micallef

Due to its rich historical attractions and culture, Malta has become one of the most popular cruise line destinations. Aside from tourism bringing the island a boost in the local economy, it also brings environmental and life issues to the residents of Malta, especially those living nearby the port.

According to the National Statistics Office of Malta, the cruise port brought 814,603 cruise passengers with the 309 cruise lines that came to dock in the Maltese waters in 2023. 

This brought €85 million into the local economy of Malta. €32 million of which was in spending of the cruise passengers, whilst the rest of the €53 was the spending by the cruise liners.

This was said it would repeat again in 2024, where former Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo mentioned, "The year we will see a further increase. Let’s say we will have more than 900,000 passengers because the weather plays an important role. But our aim is that within a few years we will reach 50 companies operating towards our country."

Currently, within the third quarter of the year, NSO released that the total cruise passenger traffic has amounted to 672,276, which had increased 4.1 percent over the same quarter of last year. Along this, there were a total of 271 cruises, an increase of 44 cruise lines from the same time as last year.

Apart from the economic benefits, cruises cause significant environmental stress for those living near the port. The main factors are air pollution, noise pollution, and traffic. 

Air pollution has already mellowed out quite a bit ever since Valletta Cruise Port introduced the on-shore power supply (OPS), the first to be operational in the Mediterranean Sea.

An OPS system is a transformer-like technology placed on the pier of the port for the docked cruise ship to hook up to. Thanks to this technology, it enables the cruise liners to cut over 90 percent of emissions in the port, including CO2 emissions, reducing them to 40 percent. By 2030, all cruise liners need to plug into the OPS, as regulated by the EU. 

'Viking Saturn' on the 1st of December, 2023, was the first vessel to plug into the technology but was made official with the 'MSC World Europa' on the 10th of July, 2024, along with the Maltese Prime Minister inaugurating it.

Additionally, the residents of Valletta have complained about the traffic caused by cruise passengers. From the traffic caused by tourist tour bus excursions and back to the actual passengers crossing roads, especially for ferries, the elevator, and other methods of transport. 

In conclusion, the impact of cruise liners on the Maltese Islands presents a complex mix of benefits and challenges. While this boosts the local economy, provides jobs, and gives Malta a better global profile, it also raises environmental and social concerns.

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REFERENCES:

Arena, J. (2024). Over 900,000 cruise passengers in 2023 - up by 65% over 2022. [online] Times of Malta. Available at: https://timesofmalta.com/article/over-900000-cruise-passengers-2023-65-2022.1079754 [Accessed 26 Nov. 2024].

Cachia, A. (2024). Cruise industry leaves ‘substantial impact’ on Malta’s economy - Valletta Cruise Port CEO. [online] MaltaCEOs.mt. Available at: https://maltaceos.mt/cruise-industry-leaves-substantial-impact-on-maltas-economy-valletta-cruise-port-ceo/ [Accessed 25 Nov. 2024].

Cunningham, A.G. (2024). L-industrija tal-cruise liners ħalliet €85 miljun fl-ekonomija Maltija fl-2023. [online] TVMnews.mt. Available at: https://tvmnews.mt/news/l-industrija-tal-cruise-liners-halliet-e85-miljun-fl-ekonomija-maltija-fl-2023/ [Accessed 26 Nov. 2024].

Grech, H. (2023). Global Ports Holding COO & Valletta Cruise Port GM Stephen Xuereb lauds port’s shore power integration. [online] MaltaCEOs.mt. Available at: https://maltaceos.mt/global-ports-holding-valletta-cruise-ports-stephen-xuereb-lauds-successful-shore-power-integration/ [Accessed 25 Nov. 2024].

Magri, G. (2024). Watch: Cruise liners causing weekly traffic chaos on Valletta ring road. [online] Times of Malta. Available at: https://timesofmalta.com/article/watch-cruise-liners-causing-weekly-traffic-chaos-parts-valletta.1098894 [Accessed 26 Nov. 2024].

MaltaDaily (2024). Around 900,000 Passengers Visited Malta Via Cruise In 2023. [online] Malta Daily. Available at: https://maltadaily.mt/around-900000-passengers-visited-malta-via-cruise-in-2023/ [Accessed 26 Nov. 2024].

Moore, R. (2024). MSC World Europa inaugurates Valetta’s shore power. [online] Riviera. Available at: https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/news-content-hub/msc-world-europa-inaugurates-valettas-shore-power-81565 [Accessed 26 Nov. 2024].

Norbert Grech (2024). Leading the Mediterranean in decarbonisation: Malta’s Shore-to-Ship Project. [online] Times of Malta. Available at: https://timesofmalta.com/article/leading-mediterranean-decarbonisation-malta-shoretoship-project-a2.1100070 [Accessed 28 Nov. 2024].

NSO Malta (2024a). Cruise Passengers: Q3/2024 - NSO Malta. [online] NSO Malta. Available at: https://nso.gov.mt/cruise-passengers-q3-2024/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2024].

NSO Malta (2024b). Cruise Passengers: Q4/2023 - NSO Malta. [online] NSO Malta. Available at: https://nso.gov.mt/cruise-passengers-q4-2023/ [Accessed 24 Nov. 2024].

Tabone, F. (2024). Cruise industry outlook is positive, driven by healthy booking trends, says Valletta Cruise Port CEO. [online] MaltaCEOs.mt. Available at: https://maltaceos.mt/cruise-industry-outlook-is-positive-driven-by-healthy-booking-trends-says-valletta-cruise-port-ceo/ [Accessed 26 Nov. 2024].

Times of Malta (2024). Editorial: Tackling pollution in Grand Harbour. [online] Times of Malta. Available at: https://timesofmalta.com/article/editorial-tackling-pollution-grand-harbour.1095382 [Accessed 25 Nov. 2024].

Valletta Cruise Port (2024). Exceptional year for Valletta Cruise Port. [online] Vallettacruiseport.com. Available at: https://www.vallettacruiseport.com/news-media/exceptional-year-for-valletta-cruise-port [Accessed 25 Nov. 2024].

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COP29 hosts accused of detaining climate defenders.

Who:

The article is written by Ilkin Hasanov, identified as a climate and science reporter for BBC News.

The individuals mentioned, such as Gubad Ibadoglu, Anar Mammadli, and Nazim Beydemirli, are named sources with specific roles, lending credibility to the claims.

What:

The article accuses the Azerbaijani government, host of COP29, of detaining environmental activists and political opponents under dubious charges.

It highlights arrests and oppression under the pretext of curbing dissent, linking it to a pattern of restricting civil liberties during climate summits.

When:

The events cited occurred between late 2022 and 2024, with the summit happening currently (November 2024).

Arrests and crackdowns allegedly escalated after Azerbaijan was announced as host of COP29 in late 2022.

Where:

The events are taking place in Azerbaijan, particularly around the context of the COP29 summit.

Broader implications extend to global climate action and other host nations, such as Egypt and the UAE, which have faced similar criticisms.

Why:

The Azerbaijani government is reportedly motivated by its dependency on fossil fuel revenues (oil and gas accounting for 60% of its budget) and aims to suppress dissent that could disrupt this economic model.

Hosting COP29 appears to be a platform for international prestige, but human rights organizations argue it masks repression.

Verification of Sources

Climate Action Network (CAN):

Credible, as it represents nearly 2,000 climate groups advocating for civil liberties and environmental justice globally.

2. Amnesty International:

A well-regarded global human rights organization known for documenting human rights abuses. Natalia Nozadze’s statement adds weight to the allegations.

3. Human Rights Watch:

Another respected international NGO that has flagged Azerbaijan's treatment of political prisoners.

4. Testimonies of Affected Individuals:

The article relies on direct claims from people like Gubad Ibadoglu and Bashir Suleymanli, which provide personal, verifiable accounts of suppression. However, corroboration from independent investigations would strengthen their reliability.

5. Weaknesses in Source Verification:

While the sources are reputable, they primarily represent NGOs and individuals critical of the Azerbaijani government. There is limited representation of neutral or opposing viewpoints, aside from the government's blanket denial of holding political prisoners.

6. Supporting Context:

The article ties its claims to Azerbaijan's planned expansion of oil and gas operations, directly contradicting global climate goals. This provides contextual plausibility to the allegations of repression.

7. Journalistic Agenda:

The BBC's reputation as a public broadcaster lends authenticity. However, the article may lean towards amplifying civil society voices, potentially overemphasizing the human rights angle relative to climate discussions.

8. Civil Society Groups:

Groups like CAN and Amnesty International could aim to pressure Azerbaijan by highlighting human rights abuses. This aligns with their mandate to protect environmental and civil rights but might frame the government as inherently antagonistic without exploring systemic complexities.

9. Azerbaijani Government:

By hosting COP29, Azerbaijan likely seeks to bolster its international standing while deflecting criticism of its fossil fuel dependence. The government's denial of the claims, paired with its visible emphasis on expanding oil and gas production, suggests a conflict of interest between its economic priorities and climate commitments.

10. Underlying Narratives:

The article indirectly questions the UN's selection process for COP hosts, hinting at a broader systemic issue in awarding such platforms to countries with poor human rights records. This could reflect a push for reform in international climate governance.

References:

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'The most noble scenes are made desolate': The climate warnings in 19th Century paintings

The Treatment

Highlights specific artworks and provides historical and cultural contexts.

Explores the transformative effects of the Industrial Revolution on landscapes and skies.

Balances factual recounting with interpretive insights (e.g., Constable’s pastoral scenes vs. Ruskin’s storm clouds).

Acknowledges overlooked contributors like Eunice Newton Foote.

Achieves multidisciplinary depth by addressing artistic, scientific, and literary perspectives.

1. Who

The article is authored by Diane Cole and published by BBC, a globally recognized and credible media outlet with editorial standards ensuring fact-checking and authenticity.

Reliability of the Author: Diane Cole appears to be a professional writer or journalist specializing in cultural or environmental topics. However, there’s no specific mention of her expertise in climate science, which might limit the technical depth of the content.

Source Quality: The BBC generally uses reputable sources, and the article references paintings, exhibitions, and historical events. It also includes quotes from experts like Karla Nielsen, Melinda McCurdy, and scientists like Eunice Newton Foote, indicating reliance on authoritative figures.

2. What

The article explores how 19th-century art, literature, and early scientific observations depicted environmental changes caused by industrialization. It examines:

Artworks and exhibitions (e.g., the Huntington Library’s "Storm Cloud" exhibition).

Historical environmental awareness through artists like Thomas Cole, John Constable, and scientists like Luke Howard and Eunice Newton Foote.

Climate change implications drawn from the Industrial Revolution, as seen in art and early scientific records.

The content ties art history with environmental awareness, aiming to highlight the precursors of today’s climate discourse.

3. When

The article was published on 9 November 2024. Its timeliness is relevant because it reviews a current exhibition (ending January 2025), connecting 19th-century reflections with modern climate change concerns.

The historical context (19th-century) aligns with the Industrial Revolution's impact, making the timeline logical.

Contemporary analysis of past events lends it authenticity, but the reliance on historical interpretation could introduce biases based on modern perceptions.

4. Where

The article is centered on an exhibition at the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. It also discusses global examples of environmental awareness.

5. Why

The purpose is to raise awareness about climate change by showcasing historical artistic and scientific observations. It demonstrates how:

Artists chronicled the transformation of natural landscapes due to industrialization.

Early scientists like Luke Howard and Eunice Foote recognized phenomena like the heat-trapping effect of CO2 and urban "heat islands."

The Romantic movement fueled reverence for nature amidst environmental degradation.

The article seeks to connect historical insights with today’s climate crisis, engaging both art enthusiasts and climate activists.

Reliability Assessment:

Strengths:

The article is published by a credible outlet.

It uses a blend of primary sources (artworks, historical writings) and expert opinions.

It offers historical depth and cross-disciplinary connections.

Weaknesses:

It is interpretative, relying on art and historical analysis rather than hard scientific data.

Potential bias arises from modern framing of historical events (e.g., viewing 19th-century art solely through an environmental lens).

Narrative Construction

The narrative intertwines historical, artistic, and environmental themes.

Opens with a compelling question about historical awareness of climate impact.

Explores the works of 19th-century artists, thinkers, and scientists, linking them to industrial and environmental changes.

Juxtaposes art, science, and literature to trace the origins of climate awareness.

Structured thematically, moving from specific artworks to scientific observations and societal responses.

Creates depth by connecting art with the emergence of environmental consciousness.

Depth of Subject Matter

Highlights specific artworks and provides historical and cultural contexts.

Explores the transformative effects of the Industrial Revolution on landscapes and skies.

Balances factual recounting with interpretive insights (e.g., Constable’s pastoral scenes vs. Ruskin’s storm clouds).

Acknowledges overlooked contributors like Eunice Newton Foote.

Achieves multidisciplinary depth by addressing artistic, scientific, and literary perspectives.

Technical Elements

The article employs vivid descriptions akin to camerawork in film.

Paintings are described with cinematic visuals, e.g., fiery industrial landscapes in The Ironworks.

Sensory language evokes atmosphere, such as “dark clouds in agitated motion” or “pea-soup thick, discoloured air.”

Visual aids (not in this excerpt) would further complement the descriptions and enhance understanding.

The Report’s Cultural Context

Frames 19th-century insights within today’s discourse on climate change.

Reflects on the cultural dichotomy of progress versus preservation during the Industrial Revolution.

Resonates with modern debates on industrialization, sustainability, and the Anthropocene.

References:

https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20241108-the-climate-warnings-in-19th-century-paintings

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Analysis

The article, sourced from the reputable BBC, examines the "Storm Cloud" exhibition at the esteemed Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. This exhibition links 19th-century art, science, and literature to today's climate crisis, offering historical context for modern environmental issues. Supported by credible sources and insights from curators Melinda McCurdy and Karla Nielsen, the article carries significant authority.

The piece explores how late 18th and 19th-century artists, scientists, and writers documented industrialization's environmental effects, marking the early recognition of climate change. Central to the discussion are Thomas Cole's and John Ruskin's paintings, Eunice Foote's and Luke Howard's scientific discoveries, and Henry David Thoreau's writings, all part of the Huntington's collections. These works illustrate how industrial impacts on nature were understood at the time. The article also highlights milestones like Foote’s study on carbon dioxide’s heat-trapping effects and Howard’s observations on urban heat islands and city fog, emphasizing the material's authenticity.

Expert commentary enhances the credibility of the exhibition’s artifacts and their relevance. The article’s broad temporal and geographic scope adds to its reliability, linking the present-day exhibition to historical contexts in the U.S. and England—key centers of the Industrial Revolution. Spanning from the 1780s, with the advent of coal-burning furnaces and steam power, to recent decades, the timeline highlights the enduring impact of industrialization on the environment. By connecting early observations of pollution to today’s climate concerns, the article underscores the continuity of these issues. Curator statements and references to the Huntington Library’s well-documented archives further validate the information.

The article appears to have multiple interconnected purposes. Primarily, it aims to educate readers about the historical roots of environmental issues and the foresight of 19th-century figures in recognizing industrialization’s impact. By juxtaposing past observations with present concerns, it implicitly underscores the longstanding neglect of these warnings. This narrative is further enriched by the exhibition’s artworks and historical records, which serve as visual and textual evidence of the early awareness of environmental damage. Additionally, the piece indirectly promotes the Huntington exhibition by providing detailed descriptions and a timeline for its duration, encouraging readers to engage with this cultural and educational experience. 

The article emphasizes the urgency of addressing climate change by showcasing how industrialization was documented as both transformative and destructive through art and science. It highlights overlooked contributions, like Eunice Foote’s work on climate science, and artistic depictions of polluted landscapes as warnings of industrialization’s toll. While it leans toward an environmentalist perspective, downplaying opposing views such as the economic benefits of industrialization or skepticism about 19th-century awareness of long-term impacts, the article remains factually accurate and grounded in well-documented evidence.

In conclusion, the article is a reliable and authentic account that successfully bridges historical and contemporary discourse on environmental issues. Its basis in credible sources, combined with expert commentary and verifiable artifacts, enhances its trustworthiness. While it reflects an agenda centered on promoting environmental awareness and cultural engagement, it does so without compromising the factual accuracy of its narrative. The article not only informs but also encourages readers to reflect on how historical insights can shape our understanding of modern challenges, using art and history as powerful tools for advocacy and education.

Reference: