TM signs MoU to support Valletta Seafarers Centre

Transport Malta will help to cover the day-to-day running expenses of the Valletta Seafarers Centre through an annual donation, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by Transport Malta Chairman Joseph Bugeja and Port chaplain Monsignor Joseph Borg, according to a press statement published by the government’s Department of Information (DOI).

“When one notes that more than 90% of products our country imports and exports come by sea, we can understand better the importance of the work of seafarers,” said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg when visiting the Seafarers Centre in Ta’ Liesse in Valletta on the occasion of signing the MoU.

“The seafarers whose work presents them with such risks and challenges but who nevertheless continue working to sustain our economy and our livelihood, are among the many other workers with different roles who in this case — in the maritime sector — are helping to sustain this industry towards continued efficient functioning and are therefore sustaining several other industries,” minister Borg added.  

“And that is why this agreement is important — today we have an authority that is working hard to continue pushing forward the maritime sector in our country, and that is making a financial contribution with social aims to the same industry and its workers,” continued minister Borg. 

Furthermore, Mr Bugeja said that the agreement will continue to support the relationship of the authority with the centre while fostering the principle of the social contribution that the authority believes in, according to the DOI press statement. 

In addition, chaplain Borg explained how helpful the centre will be for seafarers, giving them shelter to sleep, eat and offering other services.