Call for expressions of interest in the shipyard extended

The government is to extend its call for expressions of interest in the privatisation of Malta Shipyards by a week, until November 3, it was announced today.

The call is being extended in view of the changed circumstances brought about by the strong response to the early retirement schemes offered to the dockyard workers - only about 100 employees now remain at the shipyard.

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech said that 43 companies had shown an interest in the privatisation process when the call for interest was first published. He said that under the new call, companies would also be able to express an interest in activities which are not ship repair but were related to the maritime sector.

A call for tenders will be issued soon after the call for expressions of interest closes.