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Official Visit to Malta Freeport by the Minister for Economic Services Prof. Josef Bonnici
PR1316
28/08/1996
28/08/1996
| "The key factors behind the success of the Malta Freeport have | been professionalism, efficiency, reliability and cost effectiveness, all qualities that the Freeport is continuously striving to optimise. Despite scepticism from certain local quarters, Malta Freeport will strive to enhance its confidence in its business and in its 700 workers and their families," said Minister Josef Bonnici on an official visit to the Freeport. "Malta Freeport's professionalism came in high regard by the way it acted to help discover the recent drug haul when it smoothly collaborated with all local authorities. The insinuations made from the said quarters have been rebutted and will continue to be treated for what they are - speculations of an unfounded nature. The truth is that with the on-going expansion of its facilities, Malta Freeport looks forward to handle its annual throughput of one million TEU containers by the turn of the century" Prof Bonnici continued. |
| The beginning of the month witnessed a long term contract with the | Grand Alliance consortium consisting of P.O., NYK, NOL and Hapag Lloyd, who felt that Malta Freeport offers the best operational service for its Mediterranean transhipment. Furthermore, a long-term user of the Freeport, Norasia Line with its new partners, Mediterranean Shipping Company and Hyundai Merchant Marine have strengthened their ties with the Freeport along with several other smaller shipping lines already operating from Malta Freeport. With this business Malta Freeport is confident to reach its targets of 600,000 containers mark this year, thus making the completion of Terminal Two an important support for its future. |
| Works on the construction of Terminal Two are gaining momentum and | the first phase of construction enabling the use of the North Quay with yard back-up is programmed to go into operation by the beginning of 1997. The hinterland excavation works are in an advanced stage and the land is excepted to be completely levelled by the end of the year making way for further expansion in the warehousing sector of the business. Moreover, the container yard construction has been ongoing and a large area has been completed for the commencement of blockpaving. The first phase of Terminal Two early next year will increase the annual handling capacity by 250,000TEUs. Full completion is set for 1998 when it will offer a capacity of 600,000TEUs. Terminal Two will able to handle three mother vessels, one feeder and one ro-ro vessel simultaneously and will be equipped with eight Ship-to-shore cranes, sixteen Rubber-Tyred Gantry cranes and many ancillary equipment. Fabrication on Terminal Two |
| Phase 'A' equipment consisting of six Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes | have already been commissioned and handed over to Freeport Terminal (Malta) Ltd. and are |
| presently being used on Terminal One, whilst, the next four rubber | tyred gantries will commence erection at the Terminal soon. Moreover, work on the fabrication of the quayside cranes is progressing well. These post-Panamax quayside cranes rank among the most technologically advanced to-day and with their entry into operation, Malta Freeport will be capable of handling 6,000 plus Teu container vessels stacked 18 across. Terminal Two will surely facilitate Malta Freeport Corporation's efforts in developing a premier hub. |
| Given the sustained interest in Malta Freeport's Industrial storage | facilities and since the present warehousing units are operating at high occupancy level Malta Freeport is developing some 150,000 square metres of prime site for more industrial storage facilities. Malta Freeport's strategy for the development of the hinterland is more customer specific than the warehousing units on stream. In fact, Malta Freeport intends to lease blocks of land on an activity basis to be able to focus particular infrastructural services according to clients' needs. |
| During this year Malta Freeport has embarked on a series of | programmes with the objective of enhancing a quality service to its clients. With the demands of the future in mind, Malta Freeport has introduced a computerised terminal control system. The system allows for better overall management of the terminal and for significant savings in time - aspects which are vital to improved planning and efficiency. Yard planning, ship planning, crane scheduling and container control were implemented as scheduled by mid-August. Links with all the shipping lines are now available enhancing the client orientation of the company. |
| "It is evident that the Freeport is coming through a crucial | year with credit and the overall results achieved so far augur well for the future," said Minister Bonnici. |
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