MEDIA

26 Mar 2026

Valletta Cruise Port Presents Landmark Retrospective Publication to Prime Minister Robert Abela

Valletta Cruise Port has presented a landmark retrospective publication to the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, celebrating over two decades of transformation, stewardship and vision at one of the Mediterranean’s most historically layered maritime gateways.

The publication offers a rich journey through the history, milestones and achievements of Valletta Cruise Port, weaving together photography, archival material and personal narratives. It reflects on more than 20 years of dedicated work across a densely stratified site surrounding and including the Valletta Waterfront—a space where heritage and contemporary intervention coexist in dynamic dialogue.

Developed and narrated by AP Valletta with the contribution of NOI Studio, the publication brings together a wide array of historical documents and site-based insights. The work is further enriched by extensive research which has informed and propelled architectural interventions and documentation efforts throughout the years.

In 2022, photographer David Degano was commissioned to undertake a photographic study of the site. His storytelling-driven approach captures the evolving character of Valletta Cruise Port, offering a visual narrative that complements the publication’s layered structure.

The book also features literary contributions from distinguished authors Immanuel Mifsud, Mark Vella, and Liam Gauci, each offering a unique interpretative lens on the project’s cultural, historical, and social significance.

Structured as a collection of fragments and parallel narratives, the publication resists linear storytelling. Instead, it presents a series of interconnected snapshots—moments that inform and reshape one another—embracing the idea of history as an active, evolving force. It is a reflection of Valletta Cruise Port itself: a perennial work in progress shaped by continuity and change.

Commenting on the occasion, Stephen Xuereb, COO of Global Ports Holding and CEO of Valletta Cruise Port, said: “This publication is a testament to our commitment to preserving our past while continuously investing in our future. Valletta Cruise Port is not just an infrastructure project—it is a living site of cultural and historical significance. Documenting this journey is essential, not only to honour what has been achieved, but also to inform and inspire what lies ahead. Through this work, we celebrate the people, the stories, and the ongoing transformation that define this unique destination, the very first successful milestone of the Grand Harbour Revival Plan.”

The presentation to the Prime Minister underscores the national importance of Valletta Cruise Port’s contribution to Malta’s cultural heritage, tourism sector and urban regeneration, while reaffirming a shared vision for sustainable development rooted in respect for history.