The Malta Maritime Authority was set up as a distinct and autonomous corporate body to supervise the organisation and administrative aspects of the primary maritime services. The set-up of the Malta Maritime Authority was to enable ports, merchant shipping and yachting centres to operate within a centralised but commercially-oriented framework.

The functions of the Authority include:

• The efficient operation and further improvement of ports and yachting centres.
• The registration of ships and administration of the services contemplated in the Merchant Shipping Act.
• The Human Resources Development of port personnel and seafarers.
• Overall control for the preservation of good order in the territorial and internal waters of Malta, in theports and in their land and sea approaches.
• The prevention and control of pollution of ports.
• The provision of appropriate safety measures related to ports and shipping.
• Advice the Government on matters relating to maritime activity and its development.

An essential component of the Authority's remit is that it operates as a distinct commercially-driven organisation, commited to excellence in the provision of services that are both effective and competitive.