A total of 560 containers were brought in Malta by the motor vessel (mv) Containerships Polar, operated by a subsidiary of the French shipping company CMA CGM. 

Containerships Polar represents the second LNG fuelled vessel put into service by CMA CGM, according to the Malta Freeport press release. In addition, the use of LNG is fast gaining attention as it is expected to reduce sulphur oxide emissions by 90%-95%, as well as reduce costs.

“Malta Freeport reiterates its commitment towards the environment and supports CMA CGM’s initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of its vessels.  CMA CGM, one of Malta Freeport’s shareholders, has been a pioneer in environmental protection and has implemented numerous initiatives to make its fleet more eco-responsible. By 2022, the Group will have taken delivery of 20 vessels powered by LNG,” said Malta Freeport Terminals CEO Alex Montebello 

“Ever since I was entrusted to take under my responsibility the Malta Freeport, together with the entities and stakeholders involved, we created several initiatives to improve our environment and the standard of living of the people of Birzebbuga. By attracting to our country container vessels of this type, we are moving a step ahead towards cleaner seas and a better environment,” said Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi. 

Moreover, the freeport announced a new service between the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the US, in order to consolidate its role in the Mediterranean region. The Freeport currently provides network links to 115 ports around the world, 59 of which are in the Mediterranean.

“This complements other initiatives such as the regeneration of the promenade, afforestation in the Benghajsa area, the recreational park and multi-storey carpark on which works will start shortly, sound-friendly cranes, a double glazing scheme, and several opportunities that we will be proposing and implementing in the best interests of the people living in the vicinities,” Mr Mizzi added.

Malta Freeport has also invested €31 million over the past year in 15 Kone Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes (RTGs) — which are safer and faster operating gantries — as well as in other yard equipment including 67 new tractors and trailers.

The post Malta Freeport welcomes its first LNG powered container ship first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

The project cost €250,000 and included boundary landscaping works. In addition, it represented a successful completion of a project that was taken on by the foundation and the tenth restoration project of a coastal fortification by the National Trust of Malta, the press release sent to BM says. 

“The foundation’s support of this project does not stop here with the opening of the newly restored tower. The Foundation will remain committed to helping with the upkeep and promotion of this important area over the coming years so that more locals and tourists get to discover this gem in the south of Malta,” said Malta Airport Foundation Chairman Fredrick Mifsud Bonnici.

The foundation is independently administered and its mission is to support sustainable projects and initiatives that preserve local heritage and the environment for future generations, whilst enhancing the tourism product of the Maltese islands, the press release says. 

Moreover, Executive President of the National Trust of Malta Alex Torpiano expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for its support while at the same time the Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi participated in the compliments for the effort put in order to improve the cultural heritage of Malta. 

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The Malta Tourism Authority’s Executive Chairman, Gavin Gulia, welcomed the introduction of this new event as an opportunity for the Maltese Islands to promote their high level of wine production.

The Malta Public Transport Service will be operating on special routes while the Valletta Ferry will travel continuously from Valletta to Bormla. Moreover, Medasia Cabs will be offering discounts for those who travel to and from the event for each night, according to the press release. 

In addition, the Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi emphasized the recognition given to the Cottonera area with regards to high-quality events, thanking also the Institute for Tourism Studies.

Different winemakers and winery representatives welcome everyone to show their knowledge with samples of their job. Visitors can buy wine by the glass or by the bottle from over 100 international wines available at the wine experiences.

Short talks by professional sommeliers will take place in a designated area delivering the knowledge of wines. 

Furthermore, the festival is being created thanks to the Ministry for Tourism, The Malta Tourism Authority, Southeast Region, Cospicua Local Council, Kottonera Foundation, CocaCola and Frank Salt. 

The post Malta to host first International Wine Festival starting today first appeared on The Malta Business Weekly.

Ryanair hopes to expand its presence in Malta with the transaction and access non-European Union markets — such as North Africa — from Malta.

Following the transaction, Ryanair will switch six Malta-based aircraft — worth over $600m (€530m+) — to the Maltese register, move a crew of 200 under the Maltese jurisdiction on contract hence paying taxes in the island nation, create over 350 jobs and brand its Malta-based fleet with Malta Air livery as of the summer of 2020.

As a second step, Ryanair will also move aircraft from France, Italy and Germany onto the Malta AOC, hoping to raise the number of aircraft based in Malta to ten in the upcoming three years. Ryanair expects this to allow crews to pay their income taxes locally in France, Italy and Germany instead of Ireland where they are currently required to pay income taxes under Ryanair’s Irish AOC.

“Ryanair is pleased to welcome Malta Air to the Ryanair Group of airlines which now includes Buzz (Poland), Lauda (Austria), Malta Air, and Ryanair (Ireland),” said Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary today, speaking in Malta.

Connecting Europe

The CEO also praised the partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority, which “will help drive forward the vision of Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and tourism minister Konrad Mizzi to grow year-round connections to all corners of Europe which will support increased tourism, business and jobs in Malta,” Mr O’Leary said.

“Ryanair appreciates the expertise of the Maltese Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) in licencing Malta Air to operate the B737 aircraft and we look forward to working closely with the Maltese authorities over the coming years as we hope to add over 50 more aircraft to the Maltese register,” the Ryanair CEO added.

“The relationship between Ryanair and Malta has evolved into a successful collaboration. We welcome Ryanair’s commitment to operate and grow a fully fledged Malta-based airline which will contribute in a large way to the country’s development,” Malta’s Minister for Tourism Konrad Mizzi said.

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