Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1536441
14 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 JUNE 2025 NEWS PRE-ANNOUNCEMENT OF CALL: EUROPEAN MARITIME FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE FUND PROGRAMME FOR MALTA 2021-2027 The Ministry responsible for EU Funds is pre-announcing the following calls under the European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund Programme 2021-2027: Call 15 - Replacement or Modernisation of engines of fishing vessels scheme • Priority 1: Fostering Sustainable fisheries & the restoration & conservation of aquatic biological resources • Specific Objective 1.2 – Increasing energy efficiency and reducing Co2 emissions through the replacement or modernisation of engines of fishing vessels The replacement or modernisation of fishing vessels engines scheme shall support the shift of the sector towards decarbonisation. By investing in more modern technology, the reduction of carbon emissions shall be directly affected, hence increasing Malta's efforts towards the promotion of a cleaner environment. Eligible applicants for the scheme are: • Fishers holding MFA Licence • Fishers holding MFB Licence • Vessels operating in a balanced feet segment The actual launch of this rolling call, together with details of an information session, the Application Form and other supplementary documentation will be published in June 2025 and can be accessed at https://fondi.eu/ . The first batch for this rolling call is expected to close in September 2025. Prospective applicants are encouraged to refer to https://fondi.eu for the EMFAF Programme for Malta, as well as any updates related to EU funding calls. For more information about the call, kindly contact Servizzi Ewropej f'Malta (SEM) on info.sem@gov.mt or by calling on +356 25552100. Transport Malta wants to remove fatigued cab drivers from the road by capping working hours TRANSPORT Malta is working on a system to prevent cab drivers from working more than 12 hours at a stretch thus reducing fatigued drivers from the road. The system is intended to stop drivers from working excessive hours, which are a safety concern, a spokesperson said. "Fatigued drivers could pose a danger for themselves, their passengers and other road users," they added. As things stand, only cab-hail- ing platforms can prevent drivers from going over the 12-hour shift mark. However, nothing stops a driver from working 12 hours for one platform before seamlessly switching over to another plat- form where they can work for an- other 12 hours. Industry insiders, who spoke to MaltaToday, explained that shifts lasting for 12 hours are very nor- mal, especially during the peak summer season. They added that it is not unheard of for drivers to work days on end, while taking naps in their cars. The move to curb this practice is the latest in a series of efforts by TM to reduce abuse in the cab sector after years of lax enforce- ment. In January, the authority revoked a number of operators' licences due to irregularities related to ga- raging facilities. Cab owners were legally re- quired to submit the address of a garage that will be used to park their vehicle when not in use. However, when filling out appli- cations, owners would list random addresses as their garage location. Inspections started being carried out to ascertain that garages listed in the application were correct. The authority removed some 1,400 cabs from the road through January's enforcement, but a large number of operators appealed their revocation and were granted leniency to continue their opera- tions by the court. The judicial process is still un- derway. TM has also enlisted the public's assistance by creating dedicated channels, where people can report illegally parked cabs for subse- quent enforcement action to be taken. Y-plate vehicles cannot be parked on the street and in public places when not in use. The cab industry grew exponen- tially over the past six years with the proliferation of ride-hailing apps that make it easy and con- venient for passengers to order a cab. According to National Statistics Office (NSO) figures, by the end of the first quarter of this year, there were 5,028 passenger cars regis- tered under the category garage hire. These are chauffeur-driven vehicles for hire with driver with- out pre-determined routes, popu- larly known as Y-plate vehicles. The NSO also recorded 281 white taxis that operate from des- ignated stands. MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt Nothing stops a driver from working 12 hours for one platform before seamlessly switching over to another platform where they can work for another 12 hours