Note from the Editor

Welcome to the August Edition of T-21. The second edition of this year is coming out a bit later than usual due to a number of changes that have been taking place within the Authority. As of June, Transport Malta has a new Chief Executive Officer at its helm, Brigadier Jeffrey Curmi, who had previously led the Armed Forces of Malta since December 2013. From here I would like to congratulate Brigadier Curmi for his new appointment, while thanking his predecessor Mr Joseph Bugeja, especially for the support he gave to this publication.

As with other editions of this publication, we have several interesting articles, starting with a special feature on the Maintenance Unit of Transport Malta, whose main role is the upkeep of many aspects of our transport infrastructure, especially when it comes to the upkeep of our maritime infrastructure.

Keeping up with tradition, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Dr Aaron Farrugia, is also contributing to this edition through an article on transport related emissions and safety.

We will also look at this year’s Safety at Sea educational campaign, with an extensive look at the work carried out by the Maritime Enforcement Department within the Enforcement Directorate, and we will also take a look at two important projects taking place within land transport; a project being run by Malta Public Transport, with the introduction of two new electric buses into regular service, as well as a new Park and Ride Facility in Gozo, which makes use of six electric buses.

This edition will also delve into aspects of transport related infrastructure as well as transport related services which are of national importance, especially to the Maltese Economy.

An interesting feature relates to lighthouses in Malta, including a brief history of these edifices which play an important part in maritime safety. Secondly, we are taking a look at Malta Freeport through an interesting interview starting from the early days of the terminal and going to the present day.

Another feature discusses a service which was introduced a couple of years back, called Vintage Bus City Tours, a service mostly intended for tourists in order for them to experience the traditional Maltese Bus, brought back to life after a meticulous restoration programme that these buses underwent to be put back on our roads with their traditional colours.

Finally, we will also take a look at the latest news and developments from the aviation sector, thanks to the work being done by the Civil Aviation Directorate within Transport Malta.

This year, TM is also publishing for the first time the T-21b Transport Malta Annual 2021, which incorporates all the articles featured through this publication. The 603-page publication is divided into 8 sections, organised under the following titles: Sea, Air, Land, Intermodal, Enforcement, Special Projects, General and News in Brief. It can be regarded as a true annual, as it incorporates all the activities and news relating to Transport Malta and Transport in general. It will surely serve as a historical reference for professionals and students alike studying in the various fields of transportation.

The publication can be downloaded from the following link: