Freeport handles record number of containers

Malta Freeport Terminals have handled a record number of containers for local industry in May, statistics obtained yesterday show.

Imports and exports going through the Freeport surged from 3,188 TEUs in January to 5,006 in May.

"The fact that in May a record number of local containers were handled by Malta Freeport means that the interests of local importers and exporters are being safeguarded post-privatisation," a spokesman for the Government Investments Ministry said.

CMA-CGM signed a concession agreement with the government over the Freeport in October last year. Before it was privatised the Freeport entered into a service-level agreement with the local haulers, which stipulated the number of local containers to be cleared every hour.

It continues to serve as an important link between local manufacturers and importers and their clients and suppliers all over Europe, being connected to over 105 ports worldwide on a weekly basis. These connections are available for local industry thanks to the transhipment services operating from Malta.

Recently, the Freeport launched a €40 million investment programme aimed at expanding facilities and enhancing equipment.