MOBC CEO Frank Sammut would receive offers for barge charters, review and assess them and then make recommendations to the board which would tilt towards Oarsman Maritime Ltd, a subsidiary of Island Bunker Oils Limited, MOBC company secretary Hugh Attard Montalto told a court this morning.

He was testifying in the compilation of evidence against Virtù Ferries director Francis Portelli and Anthony Cassar, chairman of Cassar Ship Repair, who owned 50% shares in Island Bunker Oils Limited.

Former Enemalta chairman Tancred Tabone and his adviser Frank Sammut were silent partners in the company.

Cross examined by defence lawyer Steve Tonna Lowell, Mr Attard Montalto said that the boats The Edaren and Oarsman were already in possession of the company in 2000.

He could not confirm that Oarsman was one of the first tenders to be issued, which was won by MOBC.

He also could not confirm that the boats were chartered by direct order and said that other Greek boats were also chartered.

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