Prime Minister Robert Abela, together with the Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri and the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett visited the Malta Freeport, where works on the terminal expansion are now in an advanced phase.
With a capital investment of around €56 million, the project will reclaim 30,000 square metres of land from the sea. This will allow the northern quay at the second terminal to be extended by 176 metres and the western quay by 195 metres. Through this infrastructural expansion, the Freeport will significantly increase its capacity to handle containerships over four football pitches in length and carrying up to 23,000 containers.
To date, the Malta Freeport offers services to more than 110 ports around the world, more than 50 of which are located in the Mediterranean. The facility handles almost three million TEU containers a year, provides direct employment for more than 1,500 people and contributes €170 million to the Maltese economy. The expansion and improvement of maritime infrastructure in the Malta Freeport will lead to the creation of around 165 new jobs.
Prime Minister Robert Abela stressed on the importance of continuing to invest and strengthen maritime infrastructure. He said that this strategic project will continue to strengthen our country’s position as a transhipment hub in the Mediterranean. He noted that apart from the importance of the Freeport for Malta’s connectivity and economy, the Malta Freeport Corporation is also ensuring that Birżebbuġa residents benefit once this project is completed. This is because as soon as this terminal is operational, containerships will be berthed further out, where container cranes will be situated further out with less noise and inconvenience to nearby residents. The Prime Minister added that this kind of investment is aligned with the Malta Vision 2050.
The CEO of the Malta Freeport Terminals, Alex Montebello, expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved so far, noting that around half of the required works have already been completed. He explained that while the land reclamation project posed significant challenges, these were successfully overcome thanks to the dedication and professionalism of all those involved.
During the visit, the Prime Minister, together with Ministers Silvio Schembri and Chris Bonett, was also shown the new crane simulator. This state-of-the-art facility will provide safe and effective training for both new recruits and existing employees.
Photo: DOI-OPM
