(This interview was featured on The Sunday Times of Malta on 28.09.2025

Focal Maritime Services will, this coming November, consolidate all its businesses under a single unified brand, Focal Logistics Group, as it seeks to strengthen its position in the maritime and logistics sectors while enhancing governance and succession planning.

Judith Cilia and Jesmond Abela will take on two key roles within the new structure, bringing decades of experience in shipping, logistics and corporate services.

The consolidation will bring together the expertise of companies including Focal Maritime, Delta Container Services, Combined Maritime Services and Greenwave Shipping, creating an integrated platform that spans cargo shipping, container services, corporate structuring, ship and yacht registration, and maritime consultancy.

“Focal Logistics Group will now be able to offer a more comprehensive solution to our customers’ transportation and logistics needs through our own resources, our extensive network, and meaningful collaborations,” explains Judith Cilia, Director at Focal.

She reflects on the growing expectations of clients in the maritime and logistics sectors, emphasising the importance of reliability and guidance.

“Today, clients seek more than just isolated services. They want trusted partners who can guide them through the complexities of international trade and regulation. Under one Group, we will strengthen our value proposition and signal the resilience of a family business that continues to evolve.”

While governance will take centre stage in the Group’s growth, Ms Cilia noted that the consolidation provided an opportunity to enhance leadership structures.

“Good governance was always high on our agenda but this consolidation has allowed us to create a refreshed management structure and at board level, we now have new members who are equally committed to ethical leadership and responsible decision-making.”

Ms Cilia also highlighted how sustainability and succession planning are intertwined with governance in today’s business landscape.

“Governance must be integrated with ESG practices. This enhances reputation, ensures financial resilience, and aligns the business with the expectations of both clients and regulators. We have worked hard to instil the concept of a unified Group within the family business specifically to give the next generation, as well as our employees, a stronger framework within which to grow.”

On the operational side of the business, Jesmond Abela, who will now take on the role of Chief Operations Officer, stressed the centrality of service in shipping.

“Shipping is all about trust and service. We act as the bridge between the shipowner, the captain and port authorities, ensuring that everything from crew changes to provisions and repairs, is taken care of efficiently. Our role is to anticipate every need and deliver without compromise.”

He further explained that presenting the consolidated Group internationally brings additional credibility and strength:

“When you present yourself as a Group and not just as a single shipping agent, you carry more strength. Overseas clients appreciate that we can offer a complete suite of services under one roof. This makes us more competitive, more reliable, and more resilient.”

Speaking about the current regulatory and market challenges faced by Malta’s maritime sector, Ms Cilia stressed the need for careful risk management.

“Risk management is critical and requires a balance between regulatory obligations and the need to provide a smooth service to clients. This also requires investment in compliance systems and dedicated officers to monitor every step.”

Speaking about Malta’s strategic role as a transhipment hub in the Mediterranean, Ms Cilia noted the exorbitant cost faced by shipping lines calling at European ports as a direct result of the new Emission Trading System introduced by the EU this year.

“Malta, as a strategic transhipment hub, must not allow its role to be undermined. As a country, we enjoy many advantages, namely our unique geographical location, natural deep harbours, one of the most advanced and well-equipped transhipment hubs in the Mediterranean, healthy labour relations between stakeholders, and a level of productivity that ranks among the highest. However, we must continue to compete actively on the global stage.”

“This is why we are building a company that is strong enough to withstand today’s challenges while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. This is not just about growth but about sustainability, governance, and ensuring that our clients and employees can trust in our long-term future.”

Abela concluded by emphasising how the unified Group enhances both service and resilience.

“Shipping is constantly evolving. By coming together under the Focal Logistics Group, we are not only consolidating services but also consolidating our collective strength. At heart, we are still a family business but now, we will be better structured, more agile, and more ready to compete internationally.”