The National Order of Merit pays tribute to personalities who distinguish themselves in different fields of endeavour. Appointments are made by the President of Malta, H. E. Myriam Spiteri Debono, on the written advice of the Hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Robert Abela. While Maltese citizens are eligible to be appointed members of the Order, honorary membership is conferred on foreign nationals who have distinguished themselves by their service in the promotion and fostering of international relations or who have earned the respect and gratitude of the people of the Maltese Islands.

Emanuele Grimaldi is a notable example of an eminent figure of this kind. At the helm of the Grimaldi Group – and, since 2022, also serving as Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping – he has always worked tirelessly and with great dedication to develop maritime transport to and from Malta, in support of the country’s economy. This commitment has been further demonstrated through his leadership roles at both European and national level, including his tenure as President of the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (2001-2003) and of the Italian Shipowners’ Association (2013-2017). His engagement with Malta’s shipping sector is also reflected in his role as a founder of the Malta International Shipowners’ Association (MISA), of which he has served as Vice-President since its establishment. The importance of this contribution is underscored by the prominence of the Maltese shipping register, which today ranks as the largest in Europe by number of vessels.

For over half a century, the Grimaldi Group has been a cornerstone of maritime activity in Malta. Even in challenging times — such as during the pandemic or in recent years marked by geopolitical conflicts and high inflation — the company has continued to invest in state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly ships and enhanced services. When needed, it implemented extraordinary measures, never interrupting its operations and ensuring the vital supply of essential goods to the Maltese Islands.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” stated Emanuele Grimaldi. “Malta holds a special place in the Grimaldi Group’s history and future — a country that is not only a key maritime hub in the heart of the Mediterranean, but also a long-standing partner in our journey of growth, innovation, and sustainability. I am grateful to Her Excellency the President of Malta, Myriam Spiteri Debono, the Honourable Prime Minister, Dr Robert Abela, and the entire Maltese Government for recognizing the importance of the shipping and port sector, as well as its crucial role in the national recovery plans. Our ports, our ships, our workers have never stopped, showing how important trade is to allow us to react to periods of enormous difficulty and uncertainty. My thanks also go to the entire port community of Malta for the invaluable contribution of its workers who, together with our seafarers, have distinguished themselves in unprecedented challenges.”

The Grimaldi Group operates reliable and efficient maritime services that regularly connect the country with key Italian ports such as Genoa, Livorno, Catania and Salerno for the transport of cars, vans, trucks and other rolling units. In addition, the group also extends the reach of these core, direct routes through transshipment, enabling connectivity to all the regions it serves worldwide. Such an extensive network provides vital links that support local industries, facilitate trade, and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

The Grimaldi Group’s presence in Malta encompasses a diverse range of services. These involve Malta Motorways of the Seas Ltd – its Valletta-based subsidiary chaired by Emanuele Grimaldi – for ship ownership; Malta Shipbrokers International Ltd for ship brokerage; and Grimaldi Marine Partners Ltd for ship crew management. The Group’s operations are supported by its trusted local port and commercial agents, Sullivan Maritime Ltd.

Twelve of the Group’s vessels — all those owned by Malta Motorways of the Seas, together with several operated by Atlantic Container Line, another company within the Grimaldi Group — sail under the Maltese flag. In addition, since 2006 Malta Motorways of the Seas has been collaborating with MCAST – Maritime Institute, supporting Maltese cadets in their journey to become officers, serving on its vessels as well as on other ships within the Grimaldi Group’s fleet. A recent Memorandum of Agreement signed with MaritimeMT, one of Malta’s leading maritime training institutions, also aims to strengthen Malta’s role as a maritime hub and support the next generation of seafarers.

Finally, Malta Motorways of the Seas is also expanding its presence locally by establishing an ISM (International Safety Management) company, hiring Maltese professionals, and reinforcing port logistics and crew management services.