New services extend Malta Freeport's reach

Malta Freeport has roped in two new services, namely Amerigo Express Service and EPIC4 Service, the corporation said.

The EPIC4 Service, which started calling at the Freeport yesterday, is operated by Hapag-Lloyd, CP Ships and CMA-CGM Group.

The first vessel on this service to call at Malta Freeport was CMA CGM Kingston which berthed alongside the North Quay of Terminal One, discharging and loading 745 TEU containers.

The re-launched EPIC service operates on a weekly basis both eastbound and westbound.

The Amerigo Service, which is jointly operated by CMA CGM, ZIM Integrated Shipping Services and Italia Marittima SpA is making one call per week at Malta Freeport connecting directly the US East Coast with the main Mediterranean ports. Seven containerships are deployed on this service.

A spokesman for the Freeport said the improved reputation which the Freeport is enjoying within the transhipment scenario played a crucial role in having these services recommence calling after shifting their operations from the port of Cagliari.

These services have increased remarkably Malta Freeport's worldwide network connections now totalling 97 ports worldwide, the spokesman said.

These services would continue to boost business opportunities for local industry with sights set on the international market to expand their operations.

Malta Freeport is confident that with the heavy investment programme presently underway at its facilities, it is in a position to entice other shipping lines to start calling at its facilities.