Malta Freeport embraces the future

The shipping industry has undergone continuous and immense change over the past years.

To meet rising global demand, the size and capacity of container ships grew exponentially: from a few thousand TEUs to the huge megamax vessels we see today that stretch over 400m in length and are capable of transporting a staggering 23,000 TEUs.

In an effort to consolidate, shipping lines have merged and – like airlines – have sought strategic alliances to enable them to transport goods as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible across the globe.

Since Malta Freeport Terminals was privatised in 2004, it has experienced these changes first-hand and grown with them – from a modest port to the one it is today that has a capacity of 3.6 million TEUs.

An ambitious €320m investment programme has driven the facility’s development, infrastructure, equipment, digitalisation, and personnel development have been central to the Freeport’s growth strategy.

Last year alone, €20m was dedicated to an additional two megamax quay cranes, which are now operational, presenting the Freeport with a five-megamax-crane formation at Terminal One. This has consolidated Malta Freeport’s status as one of the few...