Pilot launch servicing delays cargo vessel arrival

The vessel mv Island Seaway had to wait for more than an hour outside Grand Harbour yesterday morning because the pilot launch was being serviced at Kalkara creek, the ship's agent said yesterday.

The vessel, which operates the Malta-Catania and Malta-Reggio Calabria routes for SMS Shipping Ltd, carries Ro-Ro cargo and a very small number of passengers. It has to be boarded by a pilot who sails it into port as is the practice with high-tonnage vessels.

Paul Savona, of SMS Shipping, protested with the Malta Maritime Authority that the Island Seaway, which had reached Malta at 9.45 a.m., was still outside Grand Harbour waiting for a pilot at 10.45 a.m. SMS said this caused "unnecessary delay to the vessel and undue hardship to the passengers".

Soon after, the port pilot boarded the vessel and sailed into Grand Harbour.

Contacted by The Times, Charles Abela, from the MMA executive ports directorate, said the pilot launch needed servicing which had been scheduled at a time when no vessels were expected to call, adding that the Island Seaway had been scheduled to arrive earlier. The servicing lasted from three to four hours.

"The pilots brought in other vessels earlier in the morning, including two cruise liners. When the Island Seaway arrived, the pilot launch was being serviced," Mr Abela said explaining the delay.