Published on
October 14, 2025
The 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise is set to transform global maritime sustainability as over one hundred fifty leading experts from across the world gather in Valletta, Malta to tackle critical issues such as clean energy integration and port decarbonisation. This landmark event comes at a pivotal moment for the maritime and port industries, which face mounting pressure to reduce emissions, comply with stricter environmental regulations, and implement sustainable infrastructure solutions. Hosted at the strategic Grand Harbour and supported by Transport Malta and EOPSA, the congress will serve as a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and actionable strategies that align with international climate goals and reshape the future of environmentally responsible port operations.
The 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise, the leading global forum for sustainable port and maritime operations, will be convened in Valletta, Malta on October 15-17, offering industry stakeholders an interactive forum in which to explore transformative strategies in the protection of the environment and the reduction of carbon emissions. Set against the historic and strategic backdrop of Malta’s Grand Harbour, the event is set to attract in excess of 150 key decision-takers, environmental planners, managers of energy and logistics, and port professionals from all parts of the world. As organized in partnership with Transport Malta and EOPSA, and co-located at Shore to Ship, the congress is set to spark constructive change in the port and shipping sectors as their industries engage in greener practices.
Why the 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise is Essential for the Ports Industry
In the context of climate change, regulatory pressure, and sustainability mandates reshaping maritime and logistics sectors, the 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise is a significant platform for ports, terminals, and shipping lines to discuss new directions ahead. The focus will be on achieving low-carbon infrastructure, alternative fuels, installations of onshore power, and convergence between environmental ambitions and economic effectiveness. The occasion fosters high-level exchange, networking, and sharing of effective case studies facilitating the green development of world port operations.
Malta, which is located at the crossroads of major shipping lanes in the Mediterranean, is an ideal venue for such an event based on sustainability. The island’s commitment to sustainable maritime infrastructure in the name of projects like the Grand Harbour’s Shore-to-Ship Power Supply is in complete harmony with the event’s aims. The UNESCO World Heritage site Valletta also presents an appealing setting for delegates to experience a side-by-side mix of modern innovation and old-time grandeur.
Programme Highlights and Core Themes
The 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise programme is envisaged as a set of robust, subject matter-based sessions spread over two days, supported by an open networking reception, conference dinner, and escorted visit to port facilities.
The conference will be opened by comments from Senior Manager for Transport Malta and Member of the Board for EOPSA, Norbert Grech, as well as President of EOPSA, Roland Teixeira de Mattos. They will set the tone for a congress that explores in depth balancing growth and environmentally compatible operations.
On Day One, the agenda features the keynote session, “Strategy for Resilience and Decarbonisation,” which is to be chaired by Christopher Wooldridge, the EcoPorts Science Coordinator. Isabelle Ryckbost of ESPO and Lamia Kerdjoudj-Belkaid of FEPORT will discuss port authorities’ green strategies and the dynamic EU Ports Strategy against the backdrop of macro- as well as micro-level challenges.
Another significant session, “Port Collaboration,” will explore the pragmatic port-shipowner cooperation. The panel will stress cooperation’s central role in emissions reduction and increased sustainability through harmonized environmental management systems.
At the congress, breakout presentations will discuss such topics as:
Sustainable port infrastructure investment
Decarbonising maritime logistics chains
EU and global authority regulatory changes
Onshore power supply deployment challenges
Alternative marine fuel applications
Environmental compliance through tech innovations
Speakers are recognised thought leaders across all of Europe, such as:
Nicolette van der Jagt, Director-General, C
Edvard Molitor, Sustainability Head, Gothenburg Port Authority
Jan Egbertsen, Innovation Manager, Port of Amsterdam
Christian Kiefer, Klüber Lubrication’s Business Development Manager
Ignacio Benítez, Innovation Lead, Fundación Val
Collaboration, Innovation, and Carbon Reduction
At its core, the 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise seeks to move from words to deeds. The congress is a forum for practical solutions that can be made a reality on small ports as well as larger ports. Ports and logistics companies are facing immediate demands to be less impactful, and an event such as this delivers achievable paradigms for making the move.
Port electrification and electronic monitoring systems will be viewed as plausible means to productivity in operations and emissions reductions. Moreover, regulative conferences will grant stakeholders the insight to be able to cope further with stricter standards in sustainability.
There will be a bespoke Port Tour to cap the event, which will provide the delegates an insider’s perspective on Valletta’s port infrastructure’s sustainability aspects, including the Grand Harbour Shore-to-Ship project, which is cutting-edge.
Opportunities for Networking and Strategic Partnerships
More than a conference, the 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise is an international networking hub. With more than 51,000 professionals in the industry attending, the event facilitates further interaction on a regular basis.
Delegates can engage in:
The Welcome Drinks Reception on 15 October
The Gala Conference Dinner on October 16th
Casual coffee and noon lunches for informal networking
Port Tour and Site Visit on October 17 They offer opportunities for participants to forge partnerships, exchange perspectives, and venture on shared endeavors far beyond an event’s conclusion.
How to Reach Valletta: Air Connectivity via Malta International Airport
Malta International Airport (MIA), located near Valletta in Luqa, is Malta’s main entrance and one of the most efficient hubs in the Mediterranean. The direct connection is provided to over 100 cities in Europe, the Middle East, and northern Africa, and direct flights are accessible for the delegates attending the congress. Direct access is provided by full-service airlines and budget airlines.
Business travelers flying to the event have excellent airline options:
KM Malta Airlines, the national airline which was established in 2024, offers high-caliber direct services from European bases.
Malta Air, Ryanair’s subsidiary, offers economical and frequent links throughout Europe.
Both airlines operate from MIA and offer convenient access to Valletta conference centers and hotels in short transfers.
Where to Stay: Luxury Hotels in Valletta
Delegates to the 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise are able to be accommodated in a range of superb properties in the vicinity of the venue. They provide convenience and luxury:
La Falconeria: Elegant boutique hotel blending Maltese old architecture and modern facilities. Located in an area around the Grand Harbour, the hotel boasts trendy rooms, Mediterranean restaurants, spa pool, and gym.
The Gomerino Hotel: This is a five-star hotel that combines old restored buildings and new chic. Its convenient location, views over the Grand Harbour, and high-spec suites make for an excellent choice for unwinding after conference proceedings.
Osborne Hotel: Suitable for businessmen, the long-standing hotel boasts views on the roof, cozy rooms, and a central location near Valletta’s historic landmarks. With a venerable history and contemporary facilities, the hotel is a good choice for people attending conferences as well as for recreation.
Valletta Attractions: Cultural Experience Beyond the Congress
In addition to professional development, the 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise provides a great opportunity to explore Malta’s vibrant capital. Valletta provides participants with an opportunity to engage with its historic maritime and architecture heritage:
Grand Master’s Palace: Great 16th-century palace, which was once the residence of the Knights of St. John. Its stunning array of ancient armory and beautiful interior is fitting for Malta’s ancient heritage.
Parliament Building: The modern building, which was designed by famous architect Renzo Piano, features solar panelling and sustainable architecture, which shows Malta’s commitment to green policies.
Saluting Battery: A historic area restored, which overlooks the Grand Harbour. Daily firing ceremonies of the cannon offer a theatrical perspective on Malta’s naval heritage.
All the attractions are in walking distance from the conference venue, which provides participants a distinct blend of business as well as cultural immersion.
A Strategic Platform for Achieving Long-Term Sustainability Targets
The 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise is about much more than words. It is a stimulus for disruptive thinking and actionable strategies aligned to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, EU Green Deal, and IMO decarbonisation trajectory. With onshore power, port electrification, digitalisation, and alternative fuels in its crosshairs, the congress is endeavouring to give new meaning to good port management in an environmentally sustainable manner.
The 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise will bring over one hundred fifty global experts to Malta to drive transformative action in clean energy and port decarbonisation, addressing urgent environmental and regulatory challenges facing the maritime industry.
Through in-depth presentations, cross-industrial panels, hands-on port tours, and intensive networking, the conference provides participants with knowledge and connections that can lead their ports as well as their companies toward a sustainable future.
From the With ports globally facing further pressure to conform to environmental protection rules and carbon targets, the 20th GreenPort Congress & Cruise in Valletta is an event leaders must take action on. With an international programme to match, high-level speakers, an influential network of professionals, and Malta’s maritime capital, Valletta, to provide, the event promises a tipping point in sustainable port development.
