Updated: Court provisionally upholds request against Viset over the introduction of new fees

(Adds Viset's reaction)

A court provisionally upheld a request for a warrant of prohibitory injunction filed by Virtu Ferries against Viset Malta over the introduction of new terminal operator fees.

A few days ago Viset notified agents and operators that all commercial vehicles on the Malta-Sicily ferry service berthing at its terminals would be subject to a terminal operator fee and fees in respect of port workers and their foremen.

In the writ, Virtu Ferries said they had been operating the ferry service between Malta and Sicily for many years and had been berthing at Pinto Wharf, Gun Wharf, Wine Veranda and Deep Water quay since 1998.

In 2001, these quays were passed on to Viset Malta through an emphyteusis contract, to operate as a ferry passenger terminal operator and a cruise liner terminal operator.

Meanwhile the government also passed on the function of cargo operator to Valletta Gateway Terminal Ltd.

As a result an agreement was reached whereby passengers on ships that berthed from commercial vehicles were not charged any tariffs and in return Viset Malta would not impose tariffs on ro-ro cargo.

As a result Virtu Ferries requested the first hall of the civil court to stop Viset from imposing the new fees.

VISET'S REACTION

Viset said it shall seek the lifting of an injunction, temporarily issued at the request of Virtu’ Ferries in respect of terminal operator charges as well as fees in respect of port workers and their foremen.

"Viset will naturally adhere to Court orders until otherwise notified but reiterates that it has acted at all times within the parameters of its concession and the law.

"It shall continue to provide its clients including Virtu Ferries Ltd with the highest levels of service as has been the practice to date but looks forward to a speedy resolution of this issue in the interests of all parties concerned," it said.