The Malta Maritime Pilots Cooperative inaugurated a new €600,000 40-foot pilot boat called Ohio, as well as new facilities adjacent to the Malta Freeport.
This will be the cooperative's seventh vessel. It was inaugurated by Transport Minister Joe Mizzi.
The new facilities in Birzebbuga include a jetty and centre for maritime pilots.
Cooperative president and chief pilot Jesmond Mifsud said that last year they offered services to some 8,000 ships entering Maltese ports.
The cooperative is also investing in further upgrades of the maritime pilots research centre.
This summer a port safety study will be held under the direction and control of Dutch experts Marin and Transport Malta.