T-21 July 2021 Issue by peter.p.barbara

T-21 JULY 2021 | EDITION 03

T H E T R A N S P O R T M A LTA Q UA R T E R LY

Special Feature: Transport Malta’s Ports and Yachting Directorate and its role in Malta’s Maritime Industry Maritime Enforcement Unit Receives First Three RHIBS

Two New Fast Ferry Terminals On Both Sides Of The Channel For the Love of Vintage Vehicles

SCHEMES FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT BUDGET MEASURES 2021

Grants for purchase of vehicles which are more environment-friendly.

contents PUBLISHER

Transport Malta

A Note from the Editor

Foreword

130

Another Milestone Achieved In Our Enforcement Directorate

An App That Helps Maritime Enforcement Officers Streamline Their Work

133

Remembering Blood Donor Day

In the News

138

Celebrating the Successes of the Maltese Flag and the Straits Ahead for the Maritime Industry

Licence Arrears of Vehicles, Regularisation Scheme

144

Driver & Vehicle Licensing Unit and the New Driving Licence Cards

146

New Vehicles Registered On The Road Overtake Imported Second-Hand Vehicles In The Second Quarter Of 2021.

149

For the Love of Vintage Vehicles

156

Embrace Life 2021 – A project to protect lives

161

European Mobility Week 2021 Edition Launched

166

The bridge between Transport Malta and the public: The Marketing Unit

170

The scuttling of AFM Patrol Boat P-33 by the Professional Divers Schools Association

179

26th July 1941, The Day of the Italian U-Boat Attack

181

Malta Air B737-8200 Gamechanger makes its first landing at the Malta International Airport

EDITOR

Peter Paul Barbara DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Pure Concepts Design Studios

Transport Malta’s Ports and Yachting Directorate and its role in Malta’s Maritime Industry

International Developments on the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ships

PRINTER

iCreate In collaboration with the TM Marketing Department

Malta Transport Centre Triq Pantar, Ħal Lija, LJA 2021 Malta

info@transport.gov.mt www.transport.gov.mt

The Small Ships Register within Ports Commercial

Transport Malta’s 2021 Il-Baħar Ingawduh Flimkien Campaign Launched

Maritime Enforcement Unit Receives First Three RHIBS

Joint-Rescue Exercise between the Armed Forces of Malta and Transport Malta

New Malta-Gozo Fast Ferry Service Introduced

113

Two New Fast Ferry Terminals On Both Sides Of The Channel

Images including cover – peterpaulbarbara

DISCLAIMER The contents of the articles in this publication is the responsibility of the respective author and it does not necessary mean that the views expressed therein are the same or reflect those of Transport Malta.

122

Valletta - Mġarr Connection - A New Multimodal Experience

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Having said that, we are also running a special feature on the Ports and Yachting Directorate, which is the Directorate in Transport Malta that manages most of the activities taking place in and around our ports. Since part of the scope of this journal is to provide information on the work and services that Transport Malta carries out on a daily basis, we also thought of taking an in-depth look at the role of enforcement as far as maritime safety is concerned, particularly the work carried out by the Maritime Enforcement Unit, which is currently seeing an increase in both assets and personnel, as well as a sharp increase in enforcement demands. In the last edition, we started a service through a number of articles, in order to provide general information on specific subjects and services intended for the general public, for which we receive daily Peter Paul Barbara is Director within the Office of the Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer.

requests for information and clarifications. The articles in question which were featured in the second edition of T-21 were received

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

very positively from our readers and for this reason we are continuing with such articles in this edition as well as in future editions. For this purpose, we are running an article on vintage cars, penned by Chief Officer – Land Transport Directorate, Mr Pierre Montebello,

elcome to the third edition of T-21: The Transport Malta Quarterly. Since this is a summer edition, we have thought of running a number of features related to our seas, which we think is fitting. This edition shall contain an extensive feature on safety at sea, especially since at this time of year, maritime activities around our coast are on the increase.

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as we are aware that there is a large number of enthusiasts interested in and collecting vintage and older vehicles, which we hope you will find interesting. Another article addresses License Arrears of Vehicles and the Regularisation Scheme in place, penned by Deputy Chief Officer – Land Transport Directorate, Mr. Gilbert Agius. As already stated above, this month’s T-21 edition is mostly dedicated to Maritime Transport and hence we are running a very interesting article

on the Safety at Sea Campaign

Valletta and one in the Port of Mġarr.

which was launched this June. T-21

These works were carried out

also spent some time with MED

by Infrastructure Malta in half the

In this edition we are also running

enforcement officers for a day to

amount of time.

a short article by our GIS-Unit,

closely follow their work on a typical hot summer’s day.

entire maritime sector.

this time focusing on our maritime A very important topic which we are

infrastructure. I am positive that

featuring in this edition is the general

you will find these two articles very

We are also running an article on a

clean-up currently underway in our

interesting.

recent exercise, a simulated rescue

Grand Harbour, in order to improve

operation, which took place in the

its functionality and accessibility.

As with the first edition, the

This is so that

publication will be available for

the country can

everyone to download as a soft

make better use

version from our official Transport

of its main and

Malta Website, which can even be

unique port by

shared. For those who would want

maximising

its

to own a printed version, this will also

resources,

June also saw the introduction of the much awaited, Malta– Gozo Fast Ferry Service...”

be available in limited numbers from

well as to improve

the Customer Care or Reception of

its environment

the Authority’s Head Office in Ħal

along with that of

Lija.

its

surrounding

beginning of July between our

towns and villages.

As usual, I would like to thank Senior

Maritime Enforcement Unit and

Another article featured in this

Management for their support, the

the Air Arm of the Armed Forces

edition looks at how intermodality is

Marketing Unit for their assistance

of Malta. Such exercises between

further being promoted with the new

as well as the Maritime Enforcement

emergency services take place from

fast ferry service and a host of new

Directorate for their patience and

time to time as one would expect to

services being offered, especially

support they provided over the last

maintain a level of preparedness in

by Malta Public Transport, in order

few weeks to make the images for

case of such need.

to improve accessibility to the new

this edition possible.

terminals, linking also the existing June also saw the introduction of

I hope you will enjoy it.

internal maritime infrastructure.

the much-awaited Malta-Gozo Fast Ferry Service, launched in time

This issue is also dealt with by our

for the summer period. T-21 took

Transport Minister, Hon. Dr. Ian

the opportunity to try the service

Borg, in his kind contribution to this

offered by the two fast ferry service

second edition for which we would

operators, namely Gozo Fast Ferry

like to thank him. This endeavour

Service as well as Virtu Ferries Gozo.

is also being addressed by the

We also had a glance at the fares,

Authority’s Chairman and Chief

schedules, and the general service

Executive Officer, Mr Joseph Bugeja

offered to the public by the two

in his usual Foreword.

The Editor.

operators. Besides this, we shall also take a look at the work done

Another interesting article relates

in record time to construct two

to climate change and the maritime

terminals specifically built for this

industry, and the new challenges

service, one on Lascaris Wharf in

climate change is bringing to the

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

FOREWORD MR. JOSEPH BUGEJA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Transport Malta

ANOTHER CHALLENGING YEAR AS NEW SERVICES ARE LAUNCHED

f 2020 was an extraordinary year, 2021 is proving to be an equally challenging one on all fronts, which Transport Malta deals with

on a daily basis. Having said that, however, this is the role of the Authority and the transport sector which it oversees. Since the last edition of our Transport Malta Quarterly, my Office together with other Directorates, particularly the Ports and Yachting Directorate, have been engaged in an extraordinary effort to make sure that the new Gozo - Malta Fast Ferry Service and the respective two new terminals hosting the service were up and running by June 1st, which was the date identified when the new service would start to operate. It was a deadline that had to be met.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

In addition to the launch of the new

especially since they have to share

our

Gozo – Malta fast ferry service, the

the same infrastructure, including

especially with a considerable

Authority was also engaging with

both terminals and quays, which

investment to upgrade our assets,

the Public Transport operator, Malta

Transport Malta itself is managing.

both with respect to our Maritime

Public Transport, to make sure that

Enforcement

Directorate,

Enforcement Unit as well as the

the service and the new terminals

From the first data released so

Land

are easily accessible by public

far providing information on the

month, the Authority has been

transport, especially in view of the

number of passengers who have

handed over the first three RHIBs

fact that the catamarans of both

used the new fast ferry service until

which were purchased from a total

operators only carry passengers, as

the end of June, one can only say

of five, that were commissioned

opposed to the Gozo Channel Ferry

that the numbers are encouraging.

by the Authority to enable us to

which also carries vehicles across

42,000 users have made use of the

contribute further towards Safety

the Channel.

ferry in just over a month since the

at Sea. On the other hand, the

beginning of operations. One has

Authority has also received three

Another

challenge

that

Enforcement

Unit.

This

the

to consider also that the number of

additional motorcycles for our Land

Authority had to face in this respect

tourists coming to Malta and visiting

Enforcement Unit.

was that both operators operate

Gozo is still low when compared to

their service in a seamless manner,

the pre-COVID-19 years.

Referring to the challenges we all faced last year, now that Transport

Another important milestone that

Malta’s Annual Report has been

Transport Malta will be reaching

published, it is important to highlight

this year is the upgrading of

some important goals that we

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

managed to achieve last year

tonnage. These numbers should

particularly within the Grand Harbour.

despite the COVID-19 pandemic,

make every Maltese proud.

This is mainly attributed to a drop in

which at this time of writing is still raging on.

the Cruise and Ferry sector. This was Apart from this, the Merchant

expected, as was the decrease in

Shipping

ship calls calling for services such as

Directorate

has

also

The fleet registered under our

strengthened its presence in the

Flag continues to grow

superyacht sector. Positive results

repairs and bunkering.

were once again achieved in the

Cruise passengers visiting Malta

With regard to our Maritime Flag, as

registration of superyachts under

in 2020 went down to just 59,018

at the end of December 2020, we

the Malta flag, where we registered

when compared to the 908,549

still managed to register a 2.48%

passengers

growth when compared to the

registration over the previous year. In

the previous year. The decrease

previous year. This means that the

concrete terms this means that there

registered, however, was not just

number of ships registered under

are about 860 superyachts of over

within the cruise liner business, but

the Merchant Shipping Act was

24 metres registered under our flag.

also across all shipping movements,

6.6%

growth

superyacht

that of 8,807, meaning, a total gross tonnage of 84.27.

who

visited

Malta

which in 2020 amounted to 10,695; a Ports and Yachting Directorate

decrease of 1,697 movements when compared to the previous year.

This means that Malta maintained

As outlined in the last publication,

its position as the largest register of

the COVID-19 pandemic has left its

ships in Europe and the sixth largest

impact on our port business, resulting

in a decrease in marine traffic,

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Another drop was reported in the

drone management system, tmcad.

total number of passengers travelling

encountered an exponential growth

idronect.com, was also launched,

to and from Malta by Catamaran

of more than 150% over the past five

whereby

or RO-RO in 2020. The number

(5) years, from the Maltese aircraft

Systems operators can register and

reported, 219,720, is a decrease of

submit flight requests to obtain flight

104,250 over the previous year.

2015 to over 500 aircraft at the end

authorisations.

Unmanned

Aircraft

of 2020. In 2020, the Ports and Yachting

An online training course has been

Directorate was entrusted with the

The

Operating

launched, as required by EASA, to

administration of the Port Charges

Certificate (AOC) holders exceeded

enable remote pilots to obtain an A1/

Refund Scheme with an allocated

40 at the end of the year. Two new

A3 certification, which also provides

budget

The

Foreign Examination Centres were

examinations for both A1/A3 as well

beneficiaries of this scheme included

certified in 2020, together with three

as A2 subcategories.

€2.08

Million.

number

Air

ship operators, import and export agents,

Land Transport

as well as freight

Directorate

forwarding agents. The

scheme

was

computed on actual ship calls that took place

between

December and

May

The with of also

2019 2020.

Directorate, the the

support Ministry,

supported

number of front-line maritime providers

service

DESPITE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC RAGING ON, TOTAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE FROM VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSING INCREASED BY €2.9 MILLION WHEN COMPARED TO 2019.

including

Port

Workers,

giving

financial

pandemic raging on, total

Government

revenue from vehicle registration licensing

and increased

by €2.9 million when compared to 2019. The service

e-Transfer was

also

promoted further, with significant increased usage for garaging, de-garaging,

Pilots, Mooring Men, and

Despite the COVID-19

and

exporting of vehicles. The

COVID-19

assistance for the procurement of

new Language Testing Bodies.

pandemic did pose a number of

PPEs and sanitation equipment. The

Last year, we took the initiative

challenges to the operations of

Directorate also assisted the Health

to launch Aircraft Leasing Malta

the Directorate, where a number

Authorities in developing a protocol

due to a number of factors that

of services had to be temporarily

to facilitate crew changes via Malta

we believe would entice growth in

suspended for some weeks when

without compromising public safety.

this sector, also including a highly

Malta was in a semi-lockdown

competitive personal and corporate

situation. This was coupled by

tax framework, an extensive double

the Cyber-attack carried out on

taxation treaty network, a robust legal

Transport Malta’s IT system.

Growth in our Aircraft Register Similar to the growth registered under

system and landscape, and lessor

our Maritime Flag, significant growth

benefits from a friendly legislation.

Throughout 2020, Transport Malta

was also registered in our Aircraft

In addition to this initiative, an online

extended the range of services

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

available from its offices in Ħal Lija and

Five financial schemes for more

changes,

deployed a new queue management

sustainable

exchanges.

system. Almost all services related

transport

to vehicle registration and driver

an investment of €5 million. The

Fifty new buses were introduced,

licensing and permitting are now

Directorate continued its effort to

bringing the fleet’s average age to

available from both offices. The

recover licence arrears, bringing

5.2 years. Whilst passenger trips

Directorate’s regulatory unit moved

closure to 612 cases, with a total

in January and February saw an

to new dedicated offices in Paola,

recovered revenue of €180,000.

increase of 21% over the same period

private were

means

launched,

withdrawals,

and/or

with

in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic

so that not all the unit’s staff and processes are grouped within the

A total of 11,990 practical driving

caused an overall decrease of

same premises.

tests for various categories were

41% throughout the whole year,

processed and carried out, together

during which a total of 33.8 million

with

passenger trips were carried out. The

specialised tests. Moreover, 1,312

hundreds

other

free transport scheme was extended

Customer Care exams, 363 CPC

to all persons of least 75 years of

Initial Tests, and 1,597 CPC Periodic

age, with more than 50,000 persons

certifications were conducted. The

benefitting from 5.7 million free trips.

number of new driving licences

A total of 420,000 persons were

issued amounted to 5,527, whilst

registered for the Tallinja Card with

29,808 were renewed. Another

87% of the total trips paid through

15,576 licences were subject to

this card.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

ANOTHER MILESTONE ACHIEVED IN OUR ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE

RE-LAUNCHING OUR MARITIME ENFORCEMENT UNIT FROM THE GROUND (SEA) UP KEVIN FARRUGIA Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Transport Malta

his summer, the Enforcement Directorate within Transport Malta has achieved another milestone as the Authority has received its first three

RHIBs from an order of five, in order to increase its presence in our ports and internal waters. The new assets commissioned, plus the recently-recruited personnel, are providing the Maritime Enforcement Unit with additional assets, resources, and flexibility as to extend its working hours as well as reachability at any given area around the coast at any given time, faster than ever before. The approximate investment in the new three RHIBs is close to €500,000. The handover of the first three RHIBs came soon after the launch of the annual Safety at Sea Campaign which, as its name suggests, aims is to promote safety at sea for all. As per data published by our Ports Commercial Unit, the number of small ships, including boats, have increased over the last couple of years (although there was a dip in 2020, which may be due to COVID-19) and this increase brought additional demand for enforcement actions as far as safety and security at sea are concerned.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

“

The approximate investment in the new three RHIBs is close to €500,000.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

“

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Maritime Enforcement Unit operations have increased exponentially, almost double what was done the previous year. The following table shows the increase in 2020 over the same period in 2019:

hands-on training and exercise, including exercises involving other emergency

services,

such

the Police, the Army and the Civil Protection Department. This is done to mimic real-life scenarios, with

Transactions related to MSED

2019

2020

Vessels Inspected at Sea

1161

2572

Vessels Found Contravening the Regulations

443

852

Charges Issued

310

851

Warnings issued

133

263

Vessels Found in Order

718

1587

the aim of having our officers well prepared for them. Although TM launched the Safety at Sea Campaign on the 21st of June, safety at sea is always the

Hence, the increase in operations across the board justifies the investment being made by the Authority in this respect. The new assets will also provide our enforcement officers with improved vessels, which shall include, for the first time, basic amenities on board, thus improving their working conditions as well as enabling them to stay for longer hours at sea without the need to report back to their base more frequently. In addition, the maritime base of the Unit has been improved and equipped with a new pontoon, where the new assets can be berthed and made ready as soon as their service is required over and above the normal patrolling duties which are carried out daily. The facilities will keep on getting the necessary upgrades to provide the Unit with better operational and better working conditions. The investment being forked out by Transport Malta to modernise the Authority from the ground up is there for everyone to see. This includes increasing TM’s assets on the road and at sea, upgrading our GIS system, putting in place a new IT system, as well as investments with respect to other activities. This includes ensuring road safety and that road accidents are kept to a minimum, as well as a number of ITS installations with every new road project carried out by Infrastructure Malta as part of the same project, with systems linked to our traffic control centre. All these measures are being taken to increase and bolster safety as much as possible, whether on land or at sea. This one of the main holistic approaches of our Ministry. However, the Authority is not only focusing on improving its assets and hard infrastructure, but also investing in its human resources by providing its Enforcement Officers with specific courses, training, certification, as well as

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

number one priority for the Maritime Enforcement Unit. As part of the Safety at Sea Campaign, Transport Malta, during the summer months, intensifies its work with the maritime community to further promote a strong

safety

communication

culture, and

enhance

information

sharing, and improve the safe passage of vessels. In addition to the distribution of information kits to promote a safetyfirst mindset at sea, Transport Malta, through its Maritime Enforcement Unit, will continue to conduct industry-wide briefing sessions to share safety best practices. The Unit will continue to develop a safety framework to improve the good practices and spearhead the drive for safety at sea among the community, as to ensure the sustainability of the safety efforts. The

following

statistics

taken

between June 2020 and June 2021 are being published for a comparative purpose.

JANUARY – END OF JUNE 2020 STATISTICS

COVID-19 Inspections

Vessels found contravening the regulations Warnings issued

235

Charges issued

177

Total

412

In order

776

Total number of inspections

1188

Breakdown of charges and warnings issued

Total number of inspections carried out related to COVID-19 measures

1133

Total number of citations

145

In addition to the above, from January to the end of June, the total

Over speeding

No insurance

Expired vessel registration

Engine not registered

No markings

10w

Enforcing

Inappropriate markings

is additional work to our routine

No nautical licence

day-to-day work, since we are still

Vessels not registered

assisting the Health Authorities with

Berthing in a prohibited area

enforcement assistance so as to

Others

make the general public safer, which

Total

412

ultimately is part of our mission.

number of inspections carried out relating to COVID-19 measures have gone up to 1155.

JANUARY – 1ST WEEK OF JUNE 2021 STATISTICS

Charges issued

238

Total

283

In order

610

Total number of inspections

893

Breakdown of charges and warnings issued Over speeding

No insurance

Expired vessel registration

Engine not registered

No markings

Inappropriate markings

No nautical licence

Vessels not registered

Berthing in a prohibited area

Others

Total

283

measures

Enjoy a safe summer!

Vessels found contravening the regulations Warnings issued

COVID-19

“

The new assets will also provide our enforcement officers with improved vessels...”

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Sabrina Zahra

IN THE NEWS Transport Malta is offering a shuttle service during works carried out in Mġarr In order to reduce the inconvenience to the public as a result of the roadworks in Triq Sir Temi Zammit in Mġarr, Transport Malta is offering a shuttle service between Mosta, Żebbiegħ and Mġarr until these road works are completed. This service will be conducted by means of minivans which are identified by a sign. This service is being provided to the public free of charge by Transport Malta.

T H E S C H E D U L E I S AS FO L LOWS: From tomorrow, Tuesday 22nd

This service stops and picks up

June 2021, between Mosta and

passengers from every bus stop

Mġarr:

along the route. Passengers who wish to use this service from Mosta

Route: Mosta Square – Triq il-

may catch the shuttle service from

Kostituzzjoni – Triq Ta’ Żejfa – Triq

Mosta Square on bus stop Rotunda

il-Mosta – Triq Sir Temi Zammit –

Triq Għajn Tuffieħa – Triq Sir Harry Luke – Triq Fisher – Triq iż-Żebbiegħ

Route 44 shall divert through the

and back to Mosta.

following route:

During weekdays, the first trip starts

Triq l-Indipendenza – Triq il-Kbira

at 5:22am from Triq Sir Temi Zammit

– Triq San Pawl tal-Qliegħa – Triq

in Żebbiegħ from the bus stop ‘Temi’.

Ta’ Żejfa – Vjal Millbrae in Mosta to Burmarrad, St. Paul’s Bay Bypass –

During the weekend, the first trip

Ballut – Manikata – Għajn Tuffieħa,

starts at 5:30am from the same bus

and back through the same route.

stop in Żebbiegħ.

Therefore, persons who would be proceeding to Mġarr need to make

Frequency of this service during

use of other routes that stop on bus

weekdays is every 30 minutes until

stop Rotunda 4, such as routes 41

8:30am, every hour between 8:31am

and 42 from Valletta.

and 2:00pm, every 30 minutes between 2:00pm and 5:30pm and

The connection between Manikata,

every hour until 9:00pm.

Għajn Tuffieħa and Mġarr shall be maintained by means of route 101.

During the weekend and public holidays, the frequency of this service is hourly.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

beach is another topic of focus for this campaign, as it is necessary to keep the environment clean in order to care for our environment and marine species.

Transport Malta sponsors Island Car Club Driver of the Day award At the end of May and the beginning of June, Transport Malta sponsored the Island Car Club Driver of the Day award. The ICC England Insurance – Transport Malta 2021 National Championship was held at Miżieb on new tarmac and safety barriers. Don’t swim close to slipways and don’t obstruct access to the boats.

Transport Malta presented a trophy

Respect the limitations of the boats around you. Don’t jeopardise others.

competitive category introduced by

to the two winners of the new Island Car Club.

Power-driven vessels shall keep out of the way of sailing vessels and vessels engaged in fishing. Enjoy yourself and your food but take all your leftovers with you. Don’t litter.

Always follow the Local Notices to Mariners on www.transport.gov.mt

Launch of Summer 2021’s sea etiquette campaign Il-Baħar Ingawduh Flimkien Every summer, Transport Malta launches its annual educational campaign regarding behaviour at sea, with this year’s edition being titled Il-Baħar Ingawduh Flimkien. On the 21st June 2021, Il-Baħar Ingawduh Flimkien was launched in order to remind those at sea to follow basic etiquette in terms of interactions with others as well as with vessels.

The primary focus of this year’s campaign is the etiquette that one must follow when at sea, for example, the correct use of slipways and how one should not swim in these zones, since they are marked off specifically for the launching and recovery of boats. The respect that should be shown when encountering other vessels of a certain size is also given importance, along with the distance that should be kept between powerdriven vessels and sailing vessels. The handling of food waste at the

European Mobility 2021 Competitions

Week

Transport Malta, in conjunction with the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, is once again launching the Annual Competitions

part

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

the

European

The fast ferry service operating

Commission selects a theme to

between the Grand Harbour in

follow during the European Mobility

Valletta and the Mġarr Harbour in

Week. The theme for 2021 is Safe

Gozo has been inaugurated on the

and

1st of June 2021.

Every

year,

Healthy

the

with

Sustainable

Mobility. Transport Malta is thus inviting all Local Councils from Malta

Part of the Ta’ Liesse Wharf in the

and Gozo to submit their proposals

Grand Harbour and a zone at Mġarr

to implement sustainable mobility

Port in Gozo are the locations where

measures or to organise European

the two operators of this service can

Mobility Week 2021 events and

moor and discharge passengers.

activities, following the Safe and

Works were also carried out on a

Healthy with Sustainable Mobility

pedestrian walkway to the lift as

theme.

well as to public transport facilities. All efforts were made to ensure

European Mobility Week 2021.

The European Mobility Week 2021

logistics and to assure the need of

Transport

passengers.

organising

campaign seeks to motivate all

two competitions; one for the

Malta

former and future participants to join

implementation

Permanent

the 20th Year of European Mobility

The

Sustainable Mobility Measures and

Week under this year’s slogan Move

infrastructure

another for the organisation of small

Sustainably. Stay Healthy.

passengers disembark they are

events and activities during the European Mobility 2021, which shall be held between the 16th and the 22nd September 2021.

involves so

whole

that

when

provided with different means to

Fast Ferry Service inaugurated on the 1st of June 2021

c. DOI - Omar Camilleri

project

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

their actual destinations. Those whose destination is Valletta will be able to use the Upper Barrakka lift. Passengers arriving at Ta’ Liesse

are in a state that they cannot be identified and/or are not roadworthy, as well as vehicles with expired licences which have not been paid within thirty days from due date. Transport

Malta

Enforcement

officials shall be placing stickers on the windscreen of these vehicles, allowing the owner a seven-day window to remove the vehicle from the road.

Wharf will have direct public transport

https://www.transport.gov.mt/land/

faciilties to the Junior College,

driving/driving-licence/obtaining-

University, Mater Dei Hospital and

your-driving-licence-786

MCAST. Sea voyages to Cottonera are also available as well as free transport to other Grand Harbour localities on the other side of Valletta and from Marsamxett to connect with ferries to Sliema. Gozo services are styled in a similar manner. The fast ferry is an investment towards more efficient and cleaner mobility. This service shall improve connectivity

between

the

two

islands.

Candidates are being requested to place a booking for the Theory Test by phone on 21227190/21221520 or through the online application: www.maltatheorytest.com. In addition, Transport Malta would like to highlight the fact that any other websites are not officially recognised by the Authority. Thus, they should not be considered as a point of reference as they might contain incorrect or misleading

Official Theory Test Studying Material

information in relation to the actual Theory Test.

Transport Malta draws the attention

Removal

vehicles from the road

all

prospective

applicants

abandoned

to the fact that the successful completion of the Theory Test is a

The Authority for Transport in

basic requirement to apply for any

Malta, in agreement with the Local

practical driving test. Therefore,

Councils’ Association, has published

Transport

amendments

Malta

suggests

that

If the vehicle is removed from the road by the Authority, the owner shall be obliged to pay all related expenses and if he fails to request the return of his vehicle (together with the payment of costs), the Authority shall have the right to auction the vehicle or to scrap it.

Subsidiary

every candidate obtains a copy of

Legislation 65.13. The aim of these

the official studying material so as

amendments is to facilitate the

to know the content of the exams,

removal of abandoned vehicles from

downloadable here:

the road, such as vehicles which

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

20 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Celebrating the Successes of the Maltese Flag and the Straits Ahead for the Maritime Industry DR. IAN BORG MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND CAPITAL PROJECTS

“

Malta has established

registered was almost that of 85 million, a 22% increase over the last four years,

itself as one of the

consolidating Malta’s position as the largest flag state in Europe and the sixth

leading maritime hubs

largest in the world. What this means, in simpler terms, is that over 6% of the

and service centres in the Mediterranean region. It has

world merchant fleet is flying our prestigious 8-pointed cross around the world. Nothing operates in a vacuum and in recent years, Malta has managed to attract all major cruise liner operators to register their new buildings under the Malta flag. Important to note is the fact that these are the most environmentally

developed a very

friendly passenger ships currently in operation, which proves once again the

strong regulatory

all-round holistic vision of an environmentally friendly government, a futuristic

platform that has

vision towards a cleaner and more sustainable infrastructure.

enabled the Malta Flag to become a reputable and internationally recognised ship

During the last 4 years, Malta registered an increase of 65% in the registration of superyachts, marking over 950 superyachts registered under the Malta flag and potentially paving its way to a thousand. Not only that, but Malta has managed to secure the registration of 25% of the cruise order book until 2024,

once again establishing Malta as a leading passenger Ship Register in the

one of the largest in

world. In parallel to this, it was last year when Malta developed a new Code for

the world.

Passenger Yachts that will allow megayachts to be registered under the Malta flag, thus making it possible for Malta to penetrate into another niche market within the yachting industry.

Proven to be an effective source and platform for generating high-valued jobs, the maritime industry has contributed for the shipping industry to generate over 14% of Malta’s GDP. Worth noting is the fact that by the

A maritime sector pivoted on the motto that “growth must not be at the expense of quality”, Malta ensured to register its best technical performance ever and has established its position as one of the safest Registers in the world. In fact, earlier this year, Malta was classified as one of the 20 best performing flag States on the Paris MOU White List.

end of 2020, the total gross tons

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

“MARITIME TRAINING HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT THE HEART OF THE MARITIME INDUSTRY...”

A country known for giving equal opportunities, it is indeed an honour for Malta to have certified the first five female master mariners, showing the commitment of the Maltese shipping sector towards the United National Sustainable Development Goals, and reaffirming the belief of the Maltese Government, to empower more women. Maritime training has always been at the heart of the maritime industry and its significance has, along the years, taken centre stage. Transport Malta,

through

its

Merchant

Shipping Directorate, has always been on the forefront to not only promote maritime careers but also to guide accredited training centres in reaching the highest standards expected from them by the industry.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Up until very recent years, maritime training in Malta was mainly focused on the State controlled Maritime Institute, now known as the Centre for Maritime Studies within the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology and in the last 4 years, we have seen the emergence of other training centres focused on maritime training courses or offshore ancillary training specialising in safety and security training. This strategy and drive by the Maltese authorities in the last 4 years has led to the approval of 9 new training institutes by Malta, both locally and abroad, and to the approval of over 90 training courses. Rooted on reputation, quality, and

The aforementioned results and

confidence, the maritime industry

achievements could never have

in Malta has a clear strategic vision

been achieved without a resilient

and is a firm believer of taking

and hardworking team armed with

action and getting things done.

clear plan and vision to bring the future into the present. As they say, life’s roughest storms prove the strength of our anchors and no saying could have been mirrored better by the maritime industry in Malta. Obstacles, namely the latest COVID-19 pandemic, have rocked the boat yet in the end, despite all the trials and tribulations they brought, our maritime industry has continued to prevail.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Transport Malta’s Ports and Yachting Directorate and its role in Malta’s Maritime Industry

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Since the beginning of recorded history, maritime transport and maritime ports have always played a vital role in securing the supply of food and commodities and later on, that of fuels. Hence, maritime transport directly contributed to the survival of world nations. Maritime Ports on their part are vital gateways, linking transport corridors as well as other links with the rest of the world, to and from those countries which are connected by the sea. To highlight the importance of maritime transport, for example, in the European Union, 74% of all goods entering or leaving EU countries do so via maritime links. Maltese ports on the other hand have always been a catalyst for economic growth, development, and prosperity throughout Maltese history. Malta has two main ports: the Port of Valletta; and the Port of Marsaxlokk; both forming part of the core ports along the TransEuropean Transport Network. Just as in the case of European countries which have access to the sea, over 90% of all goods entering or leaving our Islands pass through these two ports. The Port of Valletta is a natural deep-water harbour, Captain David Bugeja Harbour Master and Chief Operating Officer P o r t s & Ya c h t i n g D i r e c t o r a t e

strategically placed in the centre of the Mediterranean. For centuries, it played an important part for Maltese history, especially when Malta used to form part of the British Empire, both for naval/military and commercial purposes. Malta also served as a main maritime hub on the trade route to India.

26 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

The Valletta Grand Harbour has

waters, by monitoring of maritime

at Sea campaign. We also regulate

always served as a multi-purpose

activities through its Valletta Ports

yachting centres in Malta and

port equipped to offer a large

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) and

Gozo through the related Yachting

spectrum of maritime services,

the Ports Inspectorate Unit.

Centres Regulations.

containers,

It has the overall control and

The P&YD has also the following

specialised grain and cement silos,

organisation of work within Maltese

responsibilities:

petroleum installations, bunkering

ports by providing and assigning

facilities, ship repair and building

port workers to ensure that cargo

Promoting

yards

operations falling under the remit

maritime activities;

which include cargo berths which may

also

handle

warehousing,

and

open

storage facilities.

port

services

and

of the port workers are executed without delay. We regulate all matters

Complying

It is for these reasons that it is so

relating to port reception facilities

regulation

important for the Ports and Yachting

for ship-generated wastes through

European regulations and directives;

Directorate within Transport Malta to

an industry driven framework. In line

Compiling maritime statistics; and

make sure that our ports, and internal

with its remit, with respect to safety

Providing Hydrography services.

and territorial waters are managed in

of navigation, the Authority has a

the best possible manner.

number of service level agreements

Further

with of

and

providing

International

the

above,

and

the

to ensure that pilotage and tug

Directorate also acts as a technical

Functions and Duties of the Ports

services are available at all times. In

consultant for various projects

and Yachting Directorate

addition, popular bays are organised

relating to the maritime industry,

to include swimmers’ zones and

amongst other included various

The Ports and Yachting Directorate

assist on all matters related to the

infrastructural projects undertaken

within Transport Malta is one of the

implementation of the annual Safety

by Infrastructure Malta.

most important Directorates within the Authority. Before Transport Malta came into being in 2010, the P&YD, together with the Maritime Shipping Directorate (MSD), formed what was then known as the Malta Maritime Authority (MMA). The P&YD, as one would expect, has a number of responsibilities and core functions which are clearly laid out in our national legislation and are summarised in the respective Schedule of the Authority for Transport in Malta Act (Cap. 499). Among the core functions and responsibilities, the Directorate has the responsibility to ensure safety of navigation, preservation of good order, and the prevention of pollution within Malta’s internal and territorial

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

breakwater in way of the breakwater bridge

mitigate

inclement

weather, as well as land reclamation and establishment of a new quay connecting Ras Ħanżir and Fuel Wharf as a multi modal purpose quay, whose prime purpose would be Ro-Ro an Ro-Pax vessels. With respect to Marsaxlokk, additional structural work is also being carried out to further safeguard the marina A number of these include the ship

located at Il-Magħluq.

shore supply project which will further assist in mitigating emissions

Various quays and breakwaters

within

future

within the Directorate’s remit are

upgrading of Pinto Wharves 4 and 5

also being currently refurbished

to cater for larger Cruise Liners, and

or are planned to be refurbished

the future refurbishment of Boiler

in order to further enhance the

Wharf which will house a dedicated

maritime

department to deal with oil spills,

adding flexibility to our ports and

since Transport Malta is now

internal waters.

our

ports,

the

infrastructure,

thus

deemed as the competent Authority on such matters. There shall also

The ultimate objective was to

be the establishment of a berm

ensure that port users and service

within the Grand Harbour and the

providers comply with legislation

possible construction of a smaller

and contractual obligations, while

28 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

simultaneously

ensuring

the

shortest gateway to the East and

promotion and efficient use of ports

the Far East. Being in the centre

and maritime facilities.

of the Mediterranean, 93km to the south of Sicily and 290km to the

Additionally,

the

Directorate

north of Africa, Malta offered a great

also manages and assists with

maritime centre in the middle of

the organisation of a number of

one of the most important shipping

government and private events

arteries of the world.

organised within Maltese ports and territorial waters through the

The importance of the Grand

provision of support and technical

Harbour even dates back to the

assistance. It also ensures the

Prehistoric period, as evident with

achievement of the right balance in

the Prehistoric remains of the Kordin

the use of our waters for leisure and

Temples which date back to 3700

commercial operations.

BC, perched high over the Grand Harbour on Corradino Hill.

The importance of our ports – A Brief Historical Background

It is contended that the Phoenicians, from

the

country

Lebanon

Since time immemorial, the Maltese

which at that time was a major

islands have always played a

trading power, had colonised the

strategic role for any nation intending

Maltese islands around 700BC.

to dominate the Mediterranean

This was followed with domination

Sea, especially due to the fact that

by the Carthaginians around 550

two main continents encapsulate

BC and the Roman Empire from

it, as well as because it holds the

approximately 218 BC during the

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Second Punic War, through which,

during the Pax Britannica period,

at a later stage, that is around 60AD,

both in terms of the British economy

Christianity reached Malta through

as well as from a military and naval

the Apostle St. Paul. During the

perspective. Malta became the naval

Roman Period, Gozo was officially

base for the British Mediterranean

made an independent municipality

Fleet until the First and Second

from Malta, named Gaulos. This led

World Wars, during which the Grand

to the foundation of the settlement

Harbour was one of the most heavily

in and around Mġarr Harbour due to

bombarded places. The Grand

the importance of trade between the

Harbour continued to be used as a

two islands.

strategic naval base by NATO until the late 1960s, such that NATO even

Fast forward to the High Middle

had a command centre laid out in the

Ages and the early 1500s, Malta was

Valletta Fortifications overlooking

put under the rule of the Order of St.

the Grand Harbour.

John (later known as the Knights of

Ports in Malta THE GRAND HARBOUR, VALLETTA The Port of Valletta, a natural deepwater harbour, extends for about 3.6 kilometres inland. Its two-arm breakwater renders it a safe, allweather port throughout the year. It is open on a 24-hour basis, although entrance may be restricted during strong North-easterly and Easterly winds. The Port of Valletta is a multipurpose port equipped to offer a large spectrum of maritime services

Malta), as it was given as a fiefdom

including:

to the Order by the Emperor of Spain, Charles the Vth, making the maritime city of Vittoriosa their first

Cruise and ferry berths;

governing seat. The Order later fortified most of the area around the Grand Harbour, including the building of Malta’s fortified capital

Cargo handling berths;

city, Valletta.

Specialised grain and cement silos;

In 1798, during his voyage to North

Petroleum installations and bunkering facilities;

Africa for the campaign in Egypt, General

Napoleon

Bonaparte

seized the islands from the knights after advising them to leave and relocate to Rome. The French occupation, however, was shortlived and just after two years, the

Ship facilities and boatyards; Superyacht refit centres; Ship chandler;

British forced out the French in order to make Malta a protectorate of the

Port reception facilities including tank cleaning;

British Empire. A few years later, it was declared a colony of the British Crown of the highest order. With the opening of the Suez Canal, Malta’s strategic importance for the British Empire increased, especially

Marinas; Warehousing and open storage facilities; and Maritime related support services.

30 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

terminal operators who undertake cement-handling operations under concession by the Authority.

Laboratory Wharf This wharf, with a total length of 380m, provides facilities for the berthing of container and Ro-Ro vessels.

Magazine Wharf With a silo capacity of 86,000 tonnes, this wharf is primarily a cereal facility terminal operated by the Kordin Grain Terminal Co. Ltd.. Magazine Wharf is an extension of Laboratory Wharf, with a length of 250m and a depth of 15m. It can handle Panamax sized bulkers of up to 70,000 dwt. The

Harbour

mouth

Pinto Wharf

faces

Warehousing and open storage

Northeast. Sheltered in the north by

facilities are available at the port

St. Elmo’s Point breakwater, Ricasoli

area. The main quays available at the

Pinto Wharf is a dedicated cruise and

Breakwater arm is found in the south.

port area are:

ferry berth, able to accommodate any size of cruise vessel. The

Its Northwest shore is formed by the Sciberras peninsula (over which

Deep Water Quay

lengths of Pinto Quay are as follows: Pinto 1 and 2 - 307m; Pinto 3 - 171m;

Valletta, and its suburb Floriana,

and Pinto 4 and 5 - 250m.

were built). This peninsula also

Being 488m long, this quay mainly

separates the Grand Harbour from

handles conventional cargo and

a second parallel natural harbour,

provides facilities for the berthing of

Marsamxett Harbour. The main

Ro-Ro vessels. Alongside this quay

waterway of the Grand Harbour

are three transit sheds with a global

Flagstone Wharf is a petroleum

continues inland to Marsa. The

area of 8,500m2, together with

berth, hosting petroleum storage

Southeastern shore of the Harbour

ample storage space.

facilities primarily used for the purpose of engaging in bunkering

is formed by a number of inlets and headlands, principally Rinella Creek,

Flagstone Wharf

Fuel Wharf

activities and fuel supply to the power station. Tankers of about

Kalkara Creek, Dockyard Creek, and French Creek, which are covered

Fuel Wharf is 150m in length

180m are normally handled at this

by Kalkara and the Three Cities:

with a depth of 10m, and it hosts

berth.

Cospicua, Vittoriosa, and Senglea.

cement silos operated by private

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Wine Verandah

Passenger Handling in Valletta

company that is responsible for petroleum operations, particularly the importation of fuel for the

Wine Verandah is used for small RoThe operator of passenger handling

domestic market. Enemalta is the

facilities in Valletta is the Valletta

public entity responsible for power

Cruise Port (ex-VISET), a private

generation and the Delimara Power

consortium made up mainly of

Station Berth. The LNG import

Senglea Quay, formerly known as

foremost

but

facilities, including a jetty to cater for

Boiler Wharf, once forming part of

also including participation from

the berthing of a Floating Storage

the Malta Shipyards, is now used

several international companies.

Unit (FSU) and a shore-based

for berthing cruise liners. The quay

The company has been granted an

Regasification unit, are now fully

length is 383m with a maximum

operational licence and conceded a

functional. The LPG Gas Installation

depth of 8m.

65-year BOT lease for the operation

is located within this port, with its

and development of passenger

LPG bottling and storage facility

handling facilities at Pinto Wharf.

located at Bengħajsa and operated

Ro vessels.

Senglea Quay

Other Berths

local

enterprises

by Gasco Energy. Berthing facilities for LPG tankers are located at Oil

The Port of Valletta also hosts berths

MARSAXLOKK - FREEPORT

Tanking Ltd..

5, and 6 and the Marsa Ship Building.

Since its establishment in 1988,

Marsamxett

There are also private ship repair

Malta Freeport has experienced

yards, namely Bezzina Ship Repair

remarkable growth and is now

The Port of Marsamxett is primarily

Yard and Cassar Ship Repair Yard.

a major maritime transshipment

a leisure port and provides a base

logistic centre in the Mediterranean

from where a number of domestic

region.

main

commercial vessels operate local

activities that have been established,

cruises. It hosts a number of marinas

ports

namely, two container terminals,

and as well as a yacht yard.

equipment company Portek has

the distripark facilities and an oil

secured a 30-year concession to

products terminal.

Mġarr and Ċirkewwa

The Port of Marsaxlokk

The Port of Mġarr, Gozo is the

for ship repair purposes. These are located at the Dock Numbers 2, 3, 4,

Cargo Handling in Valletta The

Singapore-listed

There

are

three

operate a multi-purpose terminal in Malta. The concession was secured

largest port on the island. The

from the Authority by Valletta Gateway Terminals, in which Portek

Marsaxlokk hosts the container

island of Gozo is connected by

has a 55% stake. The Maltese

transshipment

and

a scheduled passenger Ro-Ro

conglomerate Tumas Group, which

industrial storage facilities, which

service that operates on a route

has Europe-wide interests in the

are operated by the Malta Freeport

between the ports of Ċirkewwa,

hotel and property development

Terminals. It also has a number of

Malta and Mġarr, Gozo.

industry, holds the remaining 45%.

petroleum terminals. These include

The concession, which started on

the terminals operated by Oiltanking

The ferry service is operated by

the 1st of July 2006, has involved

Malta Limited and San Lucian Oil

Gozo Channel (Operations) Limited.

VGT handling containers, trailers,

Company Limited. Other petroleum

The Port of Mġarr is also a fishing

breakbulk,

installations in the port are operated

port and hosts a marina and several

by Enemed, a Government-owned

berths for small craft. It also caters

vehicles,

and

cargoes at the Port of Valletta.

other

32 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

terminal

for small cargo vessels and the occasional small cruise liner. Large

Malta Maritime Pilots and Tug Malta Ltd.

cruise liners are also permitted to

our social responsibility is shown towards residents living around the Harbour by minimising noxious

anchor outside Mġarr Harbour, thus

Coordination

Malta

emissions. Such will also be in line

providing the possibility to offer Gozo

Maritime Pilots and Tug Malta

with Malta’s commitments in terms

as a cruise destination. The transfer

Ltd. remains a priority for this

of the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure

of passengers ashore is carried out

Directorate, with the establishment

Directive.

either by the ships’ tenders or local

of another Port Notice dealing with

commercial vessels. 17 cruise liners

Minimum Tug requirements within

An economic and feasibility study

made a dedicated port call to Mġarr.

our ports to further augment our

on Ship-to-Shore technology was

The vessels anchored in a location

focus on matters relating to safety

compiled by the Sustainable Mobility

outside the port as well as the

of navigation. Another area that

Unit of Transport Malta as part of the

passengers were transferred with

has been further strengthened

PORT-PVEV Project back in 2014.

the ships’ boats.

is the establishment of shore-

COVID-19 challenges for the Ports

based pilotage with the various

and Yachting Directorate

with

the

The Port of Ċirkewwa is primarily

High-Speed Crafts operating from

dedicated

ferry

terminal

Malta, which, although in line with

Throughout

comprising passenger and vehicle

legislation, are not obligated to take

year,

handling facilities. It is served by

the

the Ports

Yachting

a pilot, the establishment of shore-

Directorate

both a North and South Quay, thus

based pilotage was another matter

and

providing all-year-round sheltered

that further strengthens the focus

which were mainly attributed to the

berths, so that disruptions of the

we have on safety of navigation.

COVID-19 pandemic, that led to

service due to inclement weather are kept to a minimum.

faced

operational and

several

unprecedented

new

challenges

logistical challenges and an increase

Ship-to-Shore

in transport costs. Other problems encountered were attributed to

In line with the related Port Notice

Another

dealing with a fast ferry service to

Infrastructure

be introduced between Malta and

Directorate

Gozo, once again with Infrastructure

assistance is with respect to the

Malta leading and this Directorate

upgrading of a number of quays and

In reaction to the outbreak of

providing technical assistance, two

wharves within the Grand Harbour

COVID-19, the Ports and Yachting

landing places, one at the Grand

to include electrical ship shore

Directorate within the Authority

Harbour, near the Lascaris area, and

supply to visiting vessels.

for Transport in Malta issued a

project

entrusted

Malta providing

with

port restrictions, a decrease in

this

demand, and limitations in seafarers’

technical

the other at Mġarr Harbour, have now

movements.

number of Port Notices addressed

been completed, with an additional

This will allow related vessels to

to stakeholders, with the first

extension currently in the pipeline.

turn off their generators and use

requesting all ships to provide

This has been done to facilitate this

shore electricity supply to provide

information about ports of call of the

service and thereby adding to the

the necessary power for shipboard

affected country/region as required

multi modal approach being taken by

services and at the same time,

by the Maritime Declaration of

the Authority as a whole. The landing

improving air quality within the

Health for vessels in order to enter

places in fact were inaugurated and

port area. This has a beneficial

port. Subsequently, another Notice

became operational on June 1st of this

effect on both industry service

was issued which was addressed

year (see related story on page ?).

providers but also ensures that

to ship owners and operators, ship

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

masters and crew, ship agents,

settled after it was agreed that

is used for internal purposes and is

and marine terminal and facilities,

ships were to be certified as clear

also provided to third parties upon

which imposed a temporary ban

from the virus by a doctor.

request, thus assisting stakeholders

on the entry of cruise liners and

in market research and forecasting

passenger ships into Maltese ports

In 2020, the Ports and Yachting

and territorial waters. This was

Directorate was entrusted with

followed up with a Legal Notice

the administration of the €2.08

The main statistics collated over

which extended the travel ban to

Million

the year under review show the

persons coming to or leaving from

Port Operators as a partial refund

Malta, to and from all countries.

for handling fees incurred for all

However, the proviso exempted

those activities and operations

Throughout

2020,

“cargo ships including container

which took place during the period

number

cruise

ships and Ro-Ro vessels carrying

of the COVID-19 pandemic. The

visiting the Maltese Islands went

goods, and essential commodities

beneficiaries of this scheme included

down to 59,018 from the 908,549

and tankers loaded with essential

ship operators, import and export

passengers reported the previous

fuels” from the travel ban. The

agents, as well as freight forwarding

year. Consequently, the number of

Legal Notice also empowered the

and shipping agents who operated

cruise liners also decreased to 32

Superintendent of Public Health

in Malta between December 2019

from the 376 in the previous year;

to issue an exemption from this

and May 2020. In this period, a total

order for the travel of essential

of 1,357 ship calls and movements

The number of recorded shipping

persons

goods.

Additional

COVID-19

Scheme

for

purposes.

following:

the

total

passengers

were registered, involving 24,719

movements in 2020 amounted to

were

containers and 14,755 trailers. With

10,695; a decrease of 1,697 from

subsequently provided through

this scheme, those operators whose

the previous year. Circa 34.5% of

another Port Notice, whereby crew

information was already available at

these were Bunkers within territorial

members were prohibited from

the Authority, had to be refunded.

waters (wtw); and

disembarking from vessels during

This

the vessel’s call in Maltese waters

operators’ applications and aided

and ports.

with the required documentation

precautionary

measures

scheme

also

processed

and receipts of payments being Another problem that was to be

made during this period.

tackled was that encountered in February, when Maltese chandlers

Statistics and New Services

and port workers stopped their operations

over

Coronavirus

The Ports and Yachting Directorate

board

and

is responsible for the collection

unload cargo from vessels coming

of maritime data with regard to

from Italy. Port workers refused

Directive 2009/42/EC on statistical

to handle cargo unless under

returns in respect of carriage of

supervision and after clearance

goods and passengers by sea. It

of medical doctors. Some of the

continuously liaises with ship agents

cargo affected included retail,

and operators to provide data in

food, and other supplies. Maltese

a timely and accurate manner, in

port workers were not convinced

view of assuming its obligations to

by documents showing that the

provide the information as required

vessels had been given the all-

by the National Statistics Office and

clear. This dispute was eventually

Eurostat. The information collated

fears,

refusing

34 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

The total number of passengers travelling to and from Malta by Catamaran or Ro-Ro in 2020 was 219,720; a decrease of 104,250 over the previous year.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

•

Shipping Movements from January to December 2020

truck service times. This new technology was described by Malta Freeport CEO Alex Montebello as

•

Number of Vessels arriving in Malta

“a strategic investment programme aimed at making Malta Freeport

•

Gross Tonnage of Vessels in Malta

one of the most technologicallyadvanced and efficient ports in the

•

Cruise Liners in Malta

Mediterranean.”

•

Cruise Passengers in Malta

Malta

Freeport

Terminals

has

been selected as a port of call on

•

Trailers handled at the Port of Valletta

the weekly NEW NEMO Service connecting Malta to 7 new ports

•

Trailers handled at Malta Freeport

worldwide, stretching from the UK to Australia. Operated jointly by CMA

•

Cruise Passenger Nationalities

CGM and MSC, the new service offers

•

Ro-Ro and Catamaran Ferry Passengers in Malta

fast

direct

connections

linking Europe to Australia on its southbound route, and Australia to Singapore, Port Kelang, India,

•

Malta Freeport

Colombo, and Europe northbound. Throughout the same operational

Since its establishment in 1988, Malta Freeport has registered remarkable

year, Malta Freeport Terminals was

growth and is now considered a leading Mediterranean hub which consistently

chosen as a port of call on the new

reaches outstanding performance levels, enjoying positive international

weekly Round the Africa (RTA) route,

recognition with global carriers as a reliable and credible port. Malta Freeport

a unique service directly linking Asia

Terminals amalgamates the activities of container handling and industrial

to Malta, Senegal, and Sierra Leone,

storage.

with the added bonus of the best transit time. Launched on the 25th of

Malta Freeport focuses on the ‘hub’ concept, whereby cargo is discharged

July 2020 in Shanghai, this service

from large mother vessels and is relayed to a network of regional ports by

connects Malta Freeport with West

regular and frequent feeder vessels. Around 96% of Malta Freeport’s container

Africa and covers a port rotation

traffic is transshipment business. The logistic concept offers various benefits

from Shanghai to Ningbo, Nansha,

for Malta Freeport’s clients, including fewer mainline port calls, reduced voyage

Singapore, Malta, Tanger Med,

times through minimal diversions and shorter transit times, thus enabling them

Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra

to concentrate on profitable voyage legs.

Leone), Tema (Ghana), Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire), Port Kelang, and

In 2020, Malta Freeport Terminals joined the global TradeLens blockchain

back to Shanghai.

supply chain platform, heralding a new digital era for the terminal. TradeLens is an open platform bringing together all parties in the supply chain and

During the year under review, Malta

providing seamless and secure sharing of real-time actionable information and

Freeport

collaboration. Through this platform, Malta Freeport can safely integrate data

Champs

with partners including carriers, ports, terminal operators and other

23,000

stakeholders, boosting the terminal’s capability to deliver a state-of-the-art

be powered by liquefied natural

service, reducing the cost of connecting partners, and optimising vessel and

gas (LNG). To handle the 23,000

Terminals Elysees, TEU

welcomed the

second

containership

TEU capacity ship with maximum

36 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

efficiency, Freeport deployed three

serious cases, one involving an

Industry. The purpose of these

megamax quay cranes. This vessel,

empty oil tanker which broke in two

audits was to ensure that service

which is owned by CMA CGM, is

in heavy seas, as well as a fire which

providers were complying with the

considered

state-of-the-art

broke out at a Yachting Centre in

requirements and were equipped

energy solution for preserving air

the

Gozo. The latter presented several

for any exigency that might have

quality as it delivers a 99% reduction

challenges and the support of the

arisen in the case of hydrocarbon

in sulphur dioxide and fine particle

Civil Protection Department had

spills.

emissions, and an 85% reduction

to be requested, which was also

shown considerable improvement

in nitrogen oxide emissions, all of

involved in the clean-up of the

throughout the last three years. The

which represent a major healthcare

residues. Unfortunately, one person

number of inspections conducted

challenge.

lost his life during the incident.

by the Unit in 2020 was hampered

LNG

currently

considered the best intermediary

These

contractors

have

by the COVID-19 pandemic, since it

solution for the industry in its drive to

The Unit, with the support of the

also affected the Maritime sector.

achieve zero-emission transport.

Port Inspectors Unit, also carried

In 2020, the Unit approved eight

out thirteen (13) inspections at

(8) Waste Management Plans and

various port facilities and marinas.

several Emergency Response Plans.

The purpose of these inspections

Furthermore, the Unit issued four (4)

Marine Operations | Incident Response Unit

was to ensure that port facilities

Waste Exemption Certificates to

During the year under review,

were abiding by and complying

vessels engaged in scheduled traffic

the Marine Operations Incident

with

the

with frequent and regular port calls.

Response Unit, which is responsible

Port Reception Facilities (PRF)

The number of vessels applying for

for matters relating to maritime

Regulations and the Dangerous

such an exemption has decreased

pollution and incident response,

Cargo Ships, Marine Terminals

gradually throughout the years, the

answered to more than 45 calls

and

Bunkering

main reason being more stringent

related to different incidents. Mainly,

Regulations. As was the case during

criteria and conditions imposed by

they included Tier one oil spills,

the last 10 years, the majority of

the EU Directive 2000/59/EC.

minor collisions, vessel fires, and

Terminal and Facility Operators

local recreational vessels running

were found to be compliant. Other

The Directorate, along with the

aground

weather

inspections

and

audits

were

Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure

conditions. Although no serious

conducted

organisations/

and Capital Projects, spearheaded

pollution incidents had occurred,

contractors involved in offering

the transposition of the International

the Unit had to respond to two

on-call Service to the Bunkering

Convention on Oil Pollution

adverse

the

requirements

Facilities

and

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Preparedness, Response, and Co-

environmental legislation related

damages. During the year under

operation (OPRC). This Legal Notice,

to ports and shipping. Throughout

review, a number of weather stations

which was published in December

the year, the Marine Operations |

were installed in several prime

2020 and entered into force on the 1st

Incident Response Unit as well as

locations around Malta and Gozo.

of January 2021, is aimed at providing

the Legal, EU, and International

the

Affairs

necessary

legal

framework

were

Other projects initiated in 2019 that

to implement the National Marine

involved in various discussions

were ongoing throughout 2020

Pollution

and

and consultations in relation to the

included the West MOPoCo project

ensuring that Malta is further prepared

Port Reception Facilities for Ship-

and the IMAROS project. The

for an eventual pollution incident.

Generated Waste Directive. Both

West MOPoCo Project (Western

Contingency

follow-up

organised

Plan

workshop

with

major

Unit

within

PYD

Units are preparing the necessary

Mediterranean Region Marine Oil

was

policy for the implementation of the

and HNS Pollution Cooperation)

local

new Directive.

supports

stakeholders to discuss the report

Algeria,

France,

Italy,

Malta, Morocco, Spain, and Tunisia

issued by the International Tanker

Owners

Federation

continuous

Environment, the Unit kickstarted

in the field of preparedness for

a process to obtain Environment-

and in response to oil and Highly

Malta is obliged to follow. The

the

Noxious Substances (HNS) marine

Authority also took the opportunity

European Ship and Port Organisation

pollution, and in improving the

to update all stakeholders with the

(ESPO) and ECOPORTS. This will

quality and interoperability of their

progress that was achieved this

involve the update of the Marine

response capacities. The West

year. Malta has transposed the Oil

Environment

Management

MOPoCo project aims specifically

Pollution, Preparedness, Response

System and the development of new

to enhance emergency decision-

and Co-operation Convention and

environmental policy.

making

(ITOPF)

Pollution and

improvement

the

programme

which

line

with

the

efforts

Directorate’s towards

Certification

from

Risk

the

HNS Protocol into national law. Furthermore, the Authority obtained

in collaboration with Monaco, in strengthening

their

cooperation

capabilities,

assess

national contingency plans, and

EU Funded Projects

strengthen cooperation and national

the necessary support from the

emergency procedures.

Government to better implement

The Ports and Yachting Directorate

the

Pollution

is participating in a number of

In 2020, the Ports and Yachting

Contingency Plan as mentioned in

EU funded projects. Some of the

Directorate within the Authority

the 2020 budget speech.

projects were initiated during the

for Transport was again invited to

National

Marine

year under review whilst others were

participate in another Interreg Italia

The Deputy Head of Unit provided

initiated prior to the year or came to

Malta project named iWaveNET.

support to the European Maritime

an end during the year.

In its capacity as Partner within

Safety Agency (EMSA) in relation

the project, the Authority will be One project that the Ports and

installing an intelligent buoy to

delivered to the Georgian Maritime

Yachting

been

monitor the state of the sea within

Administration. The latter, along

actively participating in is the Calypso

the context of climate change.

with other trainers from EMSA,

South,

the

The lead partner of the project is

delivered various lectures and

Interreg Italia Malta agreement. The

the University of Palermo whilst

practical experiences during the

project addresses the challenges

other partners are the University of

two-day visit in Georgia.

of safer marine transportation, the

Malta, the University of Catania, the

protection of human lives at sea,

National Institute of Geophysics

The Unit is also responsible for

and the safeguarding of marine and

in Catania (INGV-CT), the Institute

the

coastal resources from irreversible

for environmental protection and

Places

Refuge

implementation

Training

various

38 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Directorate co-funded

has

through

research located in Rome, and the

and harmonising the exchange of

was reduced, bar the national

National Council for research, also

information in an effort to facilitate

activities which were retained with

located in Rome.

internal and cross border trade.

additional measures introduced to

This was one of the obligations

mitigate the risk of infection. The

imposed through EU Directives

Rolex Middle Sea Race went on as

and by other international and EU

scheduled, however, an unfortunate

Agencies such as the European

drop in participants was recorded.

Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)

Furthermore, the 31st of March

The Ports and Yachting Directorate,

and

Maritime

Regatta was postponed due to

through the Valletta Ports Vessel

Organisation (IMO). The new portal

COVID-19 restrictions. Some of the

Traffic Service (Valletta VTS) and

will also address the current non-

other activities that took place and

the

Unit,

harmonised reporting environment

for which authorisation was sought

Traffic Management Unit (TMU) and Valletta Traffic Services (VTS)

Traffic

provide

Management

assistance

the

International

vessels

for ships, whilst complying with the

included the now annual Pageant of

navigating within Maltese territorial

proposed new European Maritime

the Seas, sailing regattas (13), filming

and internal waters.

Single Window environment which

activities (9), two fireworks displays,

brings together, in a coordinated

five rafting and kayaking events, and

The Traffic Management section

and harmonised way, all reporting

swimming events (14). The role of

mainly deals with the terminal

associated with a port call. This, in

the Ports and Yachting Directorate

operators and ship agents, and

turn, will also improve interoperability

was to ensure that applicants had

handles the pre-arrival and pre-

and interconnection between the

sufficient knowledge on the activity

departure notifications as well as

relevant systems, thus enabling

to be held as well as the resulting

berth planning.

data to be shared and reused more

impacts, and to have the required

efficiently and appropriately.

resources,

including

personnel

and

The Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) department

handles

competent

equipment

shipping

Despite the COVID-19 outbreak

mitigate these resulting impacts.

movements by providing Information

which had a drastic effect on the

On its part, the Directorate provided

services (IS), Traffic Organisation

shipping industry, PIU continued with

the necessary logistics and support

Services

when

their regular systematic inspections

where it was necessary.

deemed necessary, a Navigational

which in 2020 reached a total of

Assistance Service (NAS). These

2,320. 150 of these inspections were

services are provided on a 24/7

IMDG inspections, while another

basis. The personnel manning the

482 were related to pollution and

The Hydrographic Office provided

VTS station is trained in line with

waste. Other inspections were

support to the Ports and Yachting

International Association of Marine

carried out on different vessels to

Directorate through the execution of

Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse

make sure that operators abide

hydrographic surveys, the issuing of

Authorities (IALA) standards.

with requirements imposed through

Notice to Mariners, and Navigational

(TOS),

and

Hydrography

Subsidiary Legislation 499.12. For

warnings

An agreement was reached and

most of these inspections, the Unit

providing advice and development of

through

Malta

Radio,

signed

made use of the refurbished Harbour

hydrographic charts amongst other

Slovenian IT company with vast

Masters launch MV tmONE, which

issues. The Hydrographic Office is

experience in the development

now also carries the role of the

the National Coordinator for Maritime

Authority’s official survey vessel.

Safety Information promulgation for

with

port

Actual

Limited,

management

The

new

cost

circa

platform,

systems.

which

the central Mediterranean, with this

will be

Maritime activities were affected

activity being made possible with the

developed in a number of stages.

by the pandemic and therefore,

full cooperation of the Armed Forces

The system is aimed at simplifying

the number of these activities

of Malta.

€625,000

will

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

The Hydrographic Office is a member

the

International

Hydrographic Organisation, which brings along several obligations for surveying and charting. The principal aim of the IHO is to ensure that all the world’s seas, oceans, and navigable waters are surveyed and charted, with its mission being to create a global environment in which States provide adequate and timely hydrographic data, products and services, and ensure their widest possible use. To comply with these obligations, one of the officers received training in Cat B Cartography so as to enhance the charting capabilities of this office in producing electronic and paper charts.

In this year, the Hydrographic Office issued a Tender for an Unmanned Survey Vessel. This is now being evaluated. This equipment will replace leadline sounding in very shallow waters with a digital echo sounder. Throughout the operational year under review, the Directorate issued

Local Notices to Mariners (LNTM) and Coastal Notices to Mariners (CNTM) issued between 2011 and 2020

Year

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

LNTM

117

109

137

138

171

155

CNTM

155 Local Notices to Mariners and 62 Coastal Notices. This is

In 2020, the Hydrographic Office

a decrease over the previous

that the contractor adhered to the

carried out 5 surveys at Marsaxlokk

operational

several

contractual

Freeport Terminals, 5 Surveys at

maritime activities were cancelled

in the tender. Another survey was

Marsaxlokk Magħluq, and provided

due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The

undertaken in French Creek Grand

volumes to be dredged in preparation

issue of such Notices is an important

Harbour to confirm depths at Bormla

for the tender that was eventually

function of the Directorate, as these

Wharf and Boathouse Wharf. These

issued for dredging purposes. The

serve to improve safety of navigation

were used for Chart correction.

works

and thus make our waters safer.

out and the dredging depth was

In addition to such notices, the

The work on the production of an

confirmed

Hydrographic office also issued 33

Electronic Navigation Chart (ENC)

surveys were also carried out at

Local and 10 Tunisian Navigational

continued throughout 2020. Once

Mġarr Harbour, Gozo, to confirm

produced, the charts are submitted

year

since

Warnings.

40 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

were by

eventually the

obligations

imposed

carried

surveys.

to IC-ENC and released for sale.

committed to this function and

were designed in 2020. This was

Furthermore, this Office sends data

worked

2020,

a year of assessments, planning,

to the UKHO for Navigation Chart

so that Transport Malta, as the

and systems design in order to

updates. We are awaiting an updated

Competent Authority and National

effectively provide multiple layers

revision for Marsaxlokk Chart BA 36

Regulator for Maritime Security,

of security provisions to produce

and Valletta Chart BA 177.

effectively implements the most

a protective, safe, and secure

realistic measures to assist in

environment in our ports and in

detecting security threats and

this way consolidate a generative

taking

maritime economy for Malta.

part

programme, from

the

an 3

ongoing staff

CPD

members

Hydrographic

incessantly

preventative

measures

Office

against maritime security incidents

successfully completed Geographic

that may affect our ports, port

Information System (GIS) courses

facilities, and ships used in local

regulations, and our own Integrated

organised by the Planning Authority

and international trade. This past

Security

through an EU SIntegraM Project.

year has been a highly intensive and

– Security Strategy and National

conformity

with

Management

legislation, Systems

important year for generative port

Programme, including a bespoke

Legal, EU and International Affairs

security assessments, planning,

Quality

During the year under review, legal

and consolidation. While there

(QMS), the Office of the PSO is

issues pertaining to the Directorate

are challenges ahead, there lies

rolling out an upgraded security

were followed up with the necessary

an exciting future for this maritime

system across our four commercial

and timely legal advice and direction.

transport core function which is

ports and our Head Office/PSO

Furthermore, several Agreements

set to grow in multiple dimensions

Offices, and all Transport Malta

and legislation were reviewed and

and

Port Facilities.

drafted, including transposition of

business clusters.

impact various

Maritime

EU and International legislation. Additionally, input was provided on

The Office of the PSO is continuously

EU and International dossiers in line

being modernised along strongly

with Malta’s position. Together with

benchmarked

the external legal counsel, Court

security in the international port

cases relating to the statutory remit

security arena. The Port CCTV

of the Directorate were argued and

system is geared to be integrated

sittings were attended to accordingly,

between all twenty-five port facilities,

providing the necessary evidence

including

when required. A number of pending

facilities and the head office, to give

cases were decided in favour of the

a bird’s eye view of the port security

Authority with some recognising,

environment. It comprises multiple

confirming, and upholding important

high-definition cameras across the

principles and statutory powers of

various sites. This includes a number

the Authority.

of long-range cameras to monitor all

models

Transport

Malta

port

port channel entrances, jetties, and Maritime Security Compliance and

outer anchorages. The Ports CCTV

Monitoring Designated Authority/

system is but one aspect of our

Department - National Port Security

broader integrated technological

Officer (PSO)

security system, encompassing the Port Security Officer’s integration

In line with the previous year, the

of digital technology, skills, systems,

Chairman and CEO has strongly

and procedures, which together

Management

System

The challenge, therefore, is not just the matching of imposed international regulatory requirements, mitigating known security vulnerabilities and performing corrective actions, but to proactively reach best practice levels in this growing core maritime transport function through concretely visible and evidence-based actions and operational improvements coordinated with other port functions and marine enforcement activities.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

42 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS

ON THE REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS FROM SHIPS ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Malta has today established itself as one of the leading maritime hubs and service centres in the Mediterranean region and worldwide. It has developed a very strong regulatory platform that has enabled the Malta Flag to become a reputable and internationally recognised ship register which is now one of the largest in the world. The maritime sector is one of the driving forces of Malta’s economy, as we cannot depend on road transport with respect to imports and exports. Without good maritime links, our economy would stifle. We have invested heavily and actively with respect to maritime policy development, both on EU and international levels. Ivan Sammut Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen Merchant Shipping Directorate

Malta’s geographical location, albeit having a number of benefits as it is located closely to one of the major trading routes, also offers a number of challenges, such as the competitive exposure to non-EU Member States. The decarbonisation of shipping is one of the biggest challenges currently being faced by the shipping industry. On an international level, addressing this matter falls within the framework of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), being the specialised United Nations agency established to provide intergovernmental cooperation in the field of regulation of ships engaged in international trade. The IMO is the responsible body for the global

D r. D u l c i e Z a m m i t Registrar of Ships, Merchant Shipping Directorate

44 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

regulation of all aspects of international shipping and has a key role - as summed up in the IMO’s mission statement - to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient, and sustainable shipping through cooperation.

operating under the Malta flag. The Association is a full member of the European Community Shipowners Association, and brings together the national shipowners’ associations of the European Union, Iceland, and

Norway.

The

continued

interaction, and the assistance and cooperation of these organisations and institutions is crucial in order for the Directorate to continue providing an efficient service and to meet its obligations as a flag State Administration. Malta has continued to further enhance its active involvement in the work of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the United Nations’ specialised agency for maritime safety, security, and Merchant

the functions of which are related to

the protection of the environment

Shipping Directorate, is an active

its duties and responsibilities; with

from ships’ pollution. This is clear

player in the work of the IMO. The

the international shipping press,

evidence

reality of a Ship Register that is

with organisations and individuals

conscience that the Administration

among the largest in the world

who provide services on behalf of

has. It worked hand in hand with the

increases the responsibility that

Malta’s

Administration,

industry to identify ways on how the

Malta has to meet with regard to

such as Maltese Embassies and

stringent environmental standards

its

Consulates

Malta,

through

the

maritime

the

environmental

Malta

are met, with the aim of improving

Ship Registry Office in Greece,

the environmental impact of the

international shipping fora. The

recognised classification societies

shipping industry.

heavy involvement of Directorate

and

officials at the meetings of the IMO

and with various sectors of the

The

is imperative for Malta to achieve its

shipping industry, particularly ship

increasingly shifting towards the

key objectives relating to maritime

owners, managers and financiers,

reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG)

safety, security, protection of the

maritime

emissions from ships. One of the

environment, and the safety and

representatives of seafarers.

international

whilst

actively

commitments, participating

the

abroad,

appointed

the

inspectors,

Administrations,

and

IMO’s

work

has

been

first substantial steps in this regard was the Organisation’s adoption,

welfare of seafarers. The Directorate continues with

in 2011, of mandatory measures to

The Merchant Shipping Directorate

its close cooperation with the

increase the energy efficiency of

maintained international

contact

with

Malta

Shipping

ships, through the Energy Efficiency

governmental

and

Association, formed on the initiative

Design Index (EEDI) for new ships,

organisations,

of forward-looking owners of ships

and the Ship Energy Efficiency

nongovernmental

International

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Management Plan (SEEMP) for

Initial IMO Strategy on Reduction

existing ships, which are rigorously

of GHG Emissions from Ships, as

enforced by the Malta Ship Registry

had been envisaged in a pre-agreed

on its registered fleet. The IMO has

IMO Roadmap. Malta has supported

continued to contribute towards the

the adoption of the said strategy,

global fight against climate change,

stressing the importance for the

in support of the United Nations

strategy to be ambitious, yet realistic

Sustainable Development Goal 13,

and achievable by the international

to take urgent action to combat

shipping industry. In this regard, the

climate change and its impacts.

global introduction of alternative fuels

and

new

technologies

international shipping as soon as possible and reducing the total annual GHG emissions by at least 50% by 2050, as compared to 2008. The Strategy contains a vision

Given the mounting climate change

are

when

statement, which aims to capture

concerns, the IMO GHG emissions

considering the level of emission

the main goal aspired to, stating that:

discussion has gained significant

reductions that could be delivered

IMO remains committed to reducing

momentum

essential

elements

last

within a set timeframe. Malta had also

GHG emissions from international

decade, particularly in view of the

emphasised that the implementation

shipping and, as a matter of urgency,

adoption of the Paris Agreement on

of the Strategy should adopt a flag

aims to phase them out as soon as

Climate Change in 2015. Although

neutral approach and maintain a

possible in this century.

international shipping is not included

level playing field, thus ensuring that

in the Paris Agreement, all sectors,

any ship calling at Maltese ports,

The initial strategy sets out the

including shipping, are to contribute

irrespective of flag, complies to the

levels of ambition to reduce GHG

towards GHG emissions reductions,

rigorous environmental standards

emissions and guiding principles;

and in this context the IMO has taken

being adopted.

and includes candidate short-, mid-,

during

the

and long-term further measures with

on the challenge of addressing global emissions from the sector

The adoption of the Strategy is

possible timelines and their impacts

which it regulates. As part of its work

indeed unprecedented since it is the

on States. The strategy also identifies

towards this goal, in 2016 the IMO

first time that the global community,

barriers and supportive measures

adopted mandatory requirements

through IMO, has agreed to a

including capacity building, technical

for ships to record and report their

concrete commitment to reduce

cooperation,

fuel oil consumption. Ships are thus

GHG emissions from international

development (R&D). The Strategy

required to collect consumption

shipping, by setting the following

also includes a specific reference to a

data for each type of fuel oil they use,

main targets:

pathway of CO2 emissions reduction

•

GHG emissions.

IMO GHG Initial Strategy IMO work on GHG reductions takes place through the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), wherein Malta actively participates through the Merchant Shipping Directorate. In 2018, the IMO MEPC reached a ground-

research

and

consistent with the Paris Agreement

with the aim of using such data when designing new measures to reduce

and

•

breaking milestone by adopting the

46 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

reducing the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, as compared to 2008; and peaking GHG emissions from

temperature goals.

Fourth IMO GHG Study 2020 International

shipping

the

most energy efficient means of mass transport of cargo and is indispensable to world trade, enabling the flow of goods across the globe. It is also crucial for island States, like Malta, that depend on shipping for the importation and exportation of our everyday goods. Nonetheless,

shipping is also reliant on fossil fuel

increase from about 90% of 2008

major industry organisations, has

as its main means of propulsion.

emissions in 2018 to 90-130% of 2008

co-sponsored

According to the Fourth IMO GHG

emissions by 2050.

the 76th Session of the Marine

Study 2020, GHG emissions of

submission

Environment Protection Committee

total shipping are estimated to have

The

that

(MEPC 76) proposing to establish

increased by 9.6% between 2012

whilst further improvement of the

an International Maritime Research

and 2018, mostly due to a continuous

carbon intensity of shipping can

and

increase in global maritime trade.

be achieved, it will be difficult to

proposes

The Fourth IMO GHG Study 2020

achieve IMO’s 2050 GHG reduction

based on the establishment of an

also includes estimates of carbon

ambition only through energy-saving

International

intensity, and outlines that overall

technologies and speed reduction of

and Development Board by the IMO

carbon intensity, as an average

ships. Therefore, under all projected

– which is already listed in the Initial

across international shipping, was

scenarios, in 2050, a large share of

IMO Strategy on the Reduction of

approximately 20 to 30% better in

the total amount of CO2 reduction

GHG Emissions from Ships as a

2018 than in 2008 (baseline year in

will have to come from the use of

short-term candidate measure – with

the Initial Strategy). Based on various

low-carbon alternative fuels.

responsibility for commissioning,

Study

demonstrates

long-term economic and energy scenarios (not taking into account long-term effects of the COVID-19

Development a

coordinating,

International Research Board

Maritime

specific

R&D

Board.

R&D Maritime

and

This

programme Research

administering

projects,

financed by a fund (IMO Maritime

pandemic), and without any additional

Research Fund) established by the

measures, the Study describes that

Malta, together with nine other

Organisation. This proposal – which

shipping emissions are projected to

IMO

initially originated from a wide group

member

States

and

the

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

of industry associations - would be expected to raise approximately $5 billion over the 10-to-15-year life of the programme via a proposed mandatory

R&D

contribution

equivalent to $2 per tonne of fuel oil consumed, using the mechanism already established by the Fuel Oil Consumption Data Collection System in Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention. The objective of the proposed Board and Fund is to support the achievement of the levels of ambition agreed by the IMO in the Initial IMO GHG Strategy, and it is aimed at accelerating the introduction of low-carbon and zero-carbon technologies and fuels. This proposal recognises that the absolute GHG reduction target for 2050, adopted as part of the Initial IMO Strategy, is unlikely to be achieved unless commercially viable zero-emission ships, including ships capable of trans-oceanic

voyages,

whether

scheduled or non-scheduled, begin to appear on the market by 2030, which will require a collaborative effort involving all relevant parties, particularly the energy production and maritime industries. As one of the proponents of this document, Malta supported this proposal during the discussions that took place during MEPC 76 in June 2021. Whilst the proposal garnered support from a number of member states, it was also met with less enthusiasm from others, particularly those States who favour the introduction of a market-basedmeasure, such as a significant tax/ levy or a cap-and-trade system.

48 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Given the limited time available, a full

carried over distance travelled.

round of discussions could not take

Ships will get a rating of their energy

place and the proposal is expected

efficiency (A, B, C, D, E - where A is

to be discussed further at MEPC 77

the best). Ships rated as A or B could

in November 2021.

receive incentives for their rating, also sending out a strong signal

Adoption of new Energy Efficiency Measures

to the market and financial sector. However, a ship rated D or E for three consecutive years, is required

Progress at the IMO has continued

to submit a corrective action plan, to

with the development of mandatory

show how the required index (C or

measures that could eventually

above) would be achieved.

contribute towards meeting the objectives of the Strategy. Whilst

The

under

MARPOL Annex VI are expected

the

normal

IMO’s

circumstances,

Marine

Environment

relevant

amendments

to enter into force on the 1st

Protection Committee meets at

the IMO’s headquarters in London,

requirements for EEXI and CII

but due to the COVID-19 pandemic,

certification coming into effect from

the 76th Session of the MEPC took

the 1st of January 2023. This means

place remotely via videoconference

that the first annual reporting will

(as was also the case for the previous

be completed in 2023, with the first

Session and GHG Intersessional

rating given in 2024. A review clause

Working Group). The remote setting

requires the IMO to review the

inevitably made discussions more

effectiveness of the implementation

difficult, namely due to the fact that

of the CII and EEXI requirements, by

meetings were reduced to three

the 1st of January 2026 at the latest,

hours per day given the different

and if necessary, develop and adopt

time zones of member states

further amendments.

November

2022,

with

the

participating from across the globe. Notwithstanding such difficulties,

MEPC 76 has also adopted seven

new mandatory measures to cut

sets of guidelines complementing

the carbon intensity of international

the said amendments to MARPOL

shipping have been adopted by

Annex VI. The adoption of the

MEPC 76, combining technical and

said

operational approaches to improve

by lengthy discussions during a

the energy efficiency of ships. The

Correspondence Group as well

new measures will require all ships

as during a GHG Intersessional

to calculate their Energy Efficiency

Working Group, particularly with

Existing Ship Index (EEXI) following

regard to the carbon intensity

technical means to improve their

reduction

energy efficiency, and to establish

correction factors, reference lines

their annual operational Carbon

and voyage exclusions in relation to

Intensity Indicator (CII) and CII rating.

the different ship types, as well as

Carbon intensity links the GHG

the classification of certain ships.

emissions to the amount of cargo

With respect to the Carbon Intensity

guidelines

rate,

was

the

preceded

different

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Indicators Reduction Guidelines,

The Workplan envisages three

an agreement was reached to set a

phases:

rate of 11% by 2026, relative to 2019. This would be further strengthened

Annex VI, with a view to improve the

after that date, taking into account

procedure for conducting future

the review of the measure and latest

impact assessments.

climate science.

Impact assessment

Next steps at IMO on the GHG agenda

In adopting the new measure,

MEPC 76 also discussed a number

MEPC

the

of submissions on how to progress

also

outcomes

considered a

Phase I – Collation and initial consideration of proposals for measures (Spring 2021 to spring 2022); Phase II – Assessment and selection of measures(s) to further develop (Spring 2022 to spring 2023); and

comprehensive

to the next stages of IMO’s work

impact assessment of the measure

to cut GHG emissions from ships,

which examined potential negative

leading to the revision of the initial

impacts on States and agreed to

GHG Strategy in 2023. The MEPC

keep the impacts on States of the

adopted a Workplan on the concrete

measure under review so that any

way forward to make progress

necessary adjustments can be

with candidate mid- and long-term

made. In adopting the amendments,

measures, including measures to

the MEPC agreed to undertake a

incentivise the move away from

lessons-learned exercise from the

fossil fuels to low- and zero-carbon

Furthermore, the implementation

comprehensive impact assessment

fuels to achieve decarbonisation of

of the amendments to MARPOL

international shipping. Proposals on

assessment of impacts on States

market-based measures, including a carbon levy, are expected to be considered in the context of the adopted workplan along with other proposals for mid-term measures.

50 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Phase III – Development of(a) measure(s) to be finalised within (an) agreed target date(s). the

workplan

includes

the

a crucial stage and are expected to continue at an accelerated rate. Being an international organisation of the proposed measures in

consisting of almost 180 member

accordance with the procedure

States from around the globe,

agreed on by IMO Member States

experience has demonstrated that

for assessing impacts on States of

negotiations within the IMO can be

candidate measures. It provides for

quite challenging, particularly given

a number of procedural steps and

the divergent views of states. GHG

analytical

ranging

discussions are, more often than

from an initial impact assessment

not, highly charged with a variety

accompanying the proposal for

of national sensitivities, different

a measure, to a comprehensive

levels of climate ambition among

impact assessment that may be

states, the split between developed

requested by a committee.

and developing countries, political

requirements,

considerations,

and

different

The next steps will take place

regional approaches. Nonetheless,

during a further two meetings of

one has to look positively ahead,

the Intersessional Working Group

confident that consistent progress

on GHG to be organised in autumn

will

2021, with a special focus on

within the IMO in the true spirit of

alternative fuels, and on mid-term

international cooperation.

continue

being

achieved

measures. Transport Malta, through the Merchant Shipping Directorate, will continue its active involvement with the international scene in the negotiations that have now reached

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Ko n r a d M u s c a t Senior Manager Ports Commercial

THE SMALL SHIPS REGISTER WITHIN PORTS COMMERCIAL The Ports Commercial Department within the Office of the Deputy CEO & Chief Operating Officer of Transport Malta is composed of 5 Units, mainly, the Port Concessions, Training & Certification, Commercial Vessels, Small Ships Register and the Moorings & Berthing Unit. The Department is made up of a team of 25 personnel headed by the Senior Manager, Ports Commercial. In this article we will mainly look at the functions of the Small Ships Register as well as make reference to the basic functions of the other Units within Ports Commercial.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Small Ships Register What Defines a Small Ship?

ensure that within thirty days of

in writing to the Authority, giving

the date on which the registration

the particulars and information of

A small ship is a craft under twenty-

of that small ship takes effect,

the person who agrees to buy the

four metres in length employed

there is clearly painted or affixed

small ship or any of its engines, and

solely in the navigation within the

to an external surface of the small

shall also forward his certificate of

territorial waters of Malta, whether

ship, or on such other part of the

registry back to the Authority.

mechanically driven or not, and

small ship which the Authority may

whether privately or commercially

approve, the number and mark of its

used, and includes, but is not limited

registration, and that such markings

to, all types of craft such as sailing

are maintained in good condition

boats, yachts, fishing vessels as

and

necessary

An individual requesting to register

well as other craft used for fishing

during the period of registration of

a small ship on the Small Ships

like caiques, luzzijiet and frejgatini,

the small ship.

Registry must be of at least eighteen

renewed

when

How to Register a Small Ship?

years of age and have a residential

cabin cruisers, speedboats, jet skis, dinghies, passage boats, and other

Unless

directs

address in Malta. Client is to call

Maltese traditional boats, paddle-

otherwise, the letters and numbers

personally at the Ports Commercial

boats, canoes, personal watercraft,

assigned to each small ship shall

Department, Small Ships Registry

air cushioned craft etc.

be at least 15.24 centimetres high

office together with the required

and 7.6 centimetres wide with a

original

Canoes and open sailing dinghies

space of not less than 2 centimetres

on the case. Once all documents

without engines not exceeding

between each number or letter,

are vetted and accepted by an

5.2 metres in length which are

and small ships owned by private

Authorised Official, an application

for personal use only and not used in

individuals shall have their letters

form is filled in and signed by the

a commercial manner are exempted

and numbers painted in black on a

customer. Client may also wish to

from registration.

white background, whereas those

fill in and sign the application form

used for hire shall be painted in white

beforehand and send all documents

on a black background.

with another person.

No small ship shall be registered

the

Authority

unless the small ship is equipped with such safety equipment as may

Any person who agrees to sell, scrap,

be required by the Authority from

or otherwise dispose of his small

time to time. The person registered

ship or any of its engines shall, within

as owner of the small ship shall

seven days, give notice thereof

54 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

documents

depending

A BOAT CAN BE REGISTERED ACCORDING TO

REGISTRATION OF BOATS BEING

THE PARTICULAR SITUATION AND REQUEST,

IMPORTED BY PURCHASER

MAINLY BEING:

REGISTRATION OF A SELF-BUILT SMALL NEW REGISTRATION (BRAND NEW –

SHIP FOR OWN PERSONAL USE

BOUGHT LOCALLY WITHIN THE LAST 2 YEARS)

RE-REGISTRATION (BOAT PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED WITH THE SMALL SHIPS

REGISTRATION OF BOATS PREVIOUSLY

REGISTERED ON ANOTHER REGISTER Application Forms may be downloaded from the Authority’s website.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

What About Renewals? Transport Malta is offering a secure and easy way for boat owners to renew their Small Ship Registration online without having to go to the Small Ships register Office in Ħal Lija. Boat owners opting to renew their registration online need to be in possession of an e-ID account. A copy of a valid insurance certificate may be required if applicable.

Links to the system as well as Application Forms may be found and downloaded from the Authority’s website.

Transfer of ownership of a Small Ship and Notice of Transfer of Ownership of a Small Ship An application for the registration of a transfer of a small ship or any

In case of transfer of engine/s only,

engines of 10 HP or more), valid

of its engines by a new owner shall

a Certificate of Survey confirming

until the next renewal date of the

be submitted to the Authority within

that the vessel can be equipped

Certificate of Registry;

seven days of the purchase or

with such engine or engines

transfer thereof. The documents

and

below are to be submitted for the

seaworthy and for its purpose;

transfer of ownership of a small ship:

and if a small ship is registered on

Certificate of insurance in the name of purchaser (for small ship with engines of 10 HP or more), valid until the next renewal date of the Certificate of Registry;

consequently

will

remain

Last Certificate of Registry issued by Transport Malta;

a company/organisation, a signed

Declaration

declaration/resolution

(Section D);

its

Lawyer/Notary

directors and documents attesting the power of such director/s (e.g.,

Legal hypothec or court decree

Memorandum

in the case of one or more of the

and

Articles

Association, Statute, etc.).

heirs/legatees being younger than eighteen (18) years of age; and

Last Certificate of Registry issued by Transport Malta; A copy of ID Card of seller/s, purchaser/s, and witness (for verification purposes only); and

In case of a Notice of Transfer by Inheritance of a Small Ship:

The heirs/legatees are to present their ID card/s or Passport/s when submitting

Certificate of insurance in the name of applicant/s (for small ship with

56 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

the

application

verification purposes only).

(for

Training & Certification Unit In April 2020, Transport Malta took ownership of the administrative procedure of the applications for the Nautical Licence and Certificate of Competency examinations, which were previously administered by MCAST. In addition to the issuing of the respective licences and certificates, the Training & Certification Unit conducts

and

administers

the

Nautical Licence and Certificate of Competency exam applications and procedures, including the relevant fees and payments. The Training & Certification Unit is specifically responsible

for

assessment,

the

evaluation,

competence,

and

eligibility of both commercial and pleasure licences and certifications. The Training & Certification Unit is also responsible for the accreditation of Application

Forms

may

all

training

institutes/schools

processed, a Deletion Certificate

operating

downloaded from the Authority’s

is issued and sent to the client.

approving the training syllabus for

website.

Documents to be submitted:

each course,auditing of training

Malta

institutes/schools

Voluntary Termination Registration

such small ship, one shall submit an application to that effect to the

Gozo,

order

Copy of ID Card (front and back) for

maintain

verification purposes only; and

organising examinations in order

Last original Certificate of Registry.

to certify individuals to operate

When the owner of a small ship desires to close the register of

and

TM’s

power-driven

Application Forms may be downloaded from the Authority’s website.

accreditation,

vessels

within

Maltese Territorial waters either for pleasure or commercial purposes, assessing qualifications submitted

Authority, giving all such particulars

from individuals other than those

and information as the Authority

Apart from registering small ships,

approved and issued by Transport

may require for the purpose.

Ports Commercial is responsible

Malta, and issuing the respective

for regulating training institutions

Examination certificates.

The client may either call personally

engaged in the training of persons

at SSR Office or send another

operating pleasure craft as well as

The Training & Certification Unit is

person, or mail all documents

those working on local commercial

responsible for regulating training

together with a cheque payment

vessels.

institutions engaged in the training

payable to ‘Transport Malta’. Once

persons

operating

pleasure

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Another important Unit within Ports Commercial is the Port Concessions Unit, which optimises

“

Transport Malta’s potential

to maximise its income from commercial operations

58 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

craft and those working on local commercial vessels. To achieve this objective, Ports Commercial acts as a certifying Authority for local qualifications and as a facilitator of training and education programmes. With regard to training provisions, the Training & Certification Unit also works closely with various private Training Centres and Institutes, as well as the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST), the public institution entrusted with education and training in various maritime run

fields.

The

comprehensive

programmes

for

Institutes training commercial

vessel operators and pleasure craft operators, offering courses related to the various certificate levels for the operation of commercial vessels, Certificates of Competency, and the Nautical Licence for pleasure crafts.

from

regulating

waters that amongst others include passenger

boats,

workboats,

and bunker barges. The Unit also issues commercial vessel operator licences for applicants operating with such vessels.

Type of Certificate/Licence issued in 2019/2020 (The negative effect of the 2020 pandemic,

particularly

the

Certificates of Competency and Commercial Vessels registrations and licensing, is to be taken into consideration)

Registration of Small Ships

Commercial Vessels Unit Apart

operations in Maltese territorial

the

registration of small ships and waterbased recreational activities, Ports Commercial is also responsible for the safety of commercial vessels, and the safe manning requirements of such vessels. In this respect, the Commercial Vessels Unit issues commercial vessel certificates for crafts carrying out commercial

New Registrations of small ships: 5821 (2019) 608 (2020) Renewals of small ships: 6042 (2019) 5902 (2020)

Training & Certification Unit Nautical Licence: New 1306 (2019) 2915 (2020); Renewals 133 (2019) 320 (2020) Certificates of Competency: New 121 (2019) 44 (2020); Revalidation 96 (2019) 71 (2020); Equivalencies 64 (2019) 9 (2020)

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Commercial Vessels Unit

place, as well as the management

SUMMER:

of all quays and other facilities falling

May 1st to September 30th:

Commercial

Vessel

Certificates:

under the responsibility and control

New

(2019)

of the Authority.

228

(2020);

from 07:30 to 14:00; Tuesday,

Renewals 973 (2019) 269 (2020) Commercial

Vessel

Operator

The Port Concessions Unit also

Thursday, and Friday from

carries

07:30 to 12:00.

out

scheduled in

the

routine

Licence: New 55 (2019) 31 (2020);

inspections

Renewals 400 (2019) 113 (2020)

zones in our port areas in terms

Port Concessions Unit

Monday and Wednesday

concession

of the obligations emanating from

WINTER:

the agreements and concessions

October 1st to April 30th:

in place, inspections on berthing

Monday from 07:30 to

Another important Unit within Ports

zones, as well as the coordination

Commercial is the Port Concessions

of operations in berthing zones and

14:00; Tuesday, Wednesday,

Unit, which optimises Transport

quays managed by or falling under

Thursday, and Friday from

Malta’s

the responsibility of Transport Malta.

07:30 to 12:00.

its

potential

income

from

maximise commercial

operations and services related to

Moorings & Berthing Unit

Ports and Port Areas. It does this by developing new commercial

The Moorings & Berthing Unit is

business opportunities with existing

responsible for the management

clients as well as new ones.

of mooring and berthing areas and quays, as well as for the processing

The unit is also responsible for

of applications and issuance of

the management and monitoring

permits for moorings and berthing.

of all concessions, contracts, and

A number of initiatives were taken by

services, as well as other form of

the Unit during the last few months.

agreements in place with respect

These included the re-organisation

to port facilities and services. The

from scratch of a number of berthing

current contracts and agreements,

zones including those in Pietà Sa

more than 70, are verified and

Maison as well as in Marsascala.

scrutinised internally, periodically,

Apart from these two zones, work

to make sure that all the contractual

was and is being carried out to

obligations in place are being met

regularise and organise mooring

and observed.

areas in Gżira and Kalkara and other locations.

Since

2013,

this

section

has

implemented a commercial plan,

Office Opening Hours:

which included operations, policies, and development as well as the

The

review on the authority of the

Commercial Vessels, Small Ships

ports and their facilities. It was also

responsible for the re-organisation

Units are open to the Public at the

from scratch of all agreements on

Transport Malta Offices in Ħal Lija as

berths and current concessions in

follows:

60 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Training

Certification,

All application forms referred to in this article can be downloaded from the Transport Malta website, Maritime Section www.transport.gov.mt.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Jeffrey Bonnici Manager Maritime Enforcement Department

Tr a n s p o r t M a l t a ’s 2 0 2 1

IL-BAĦAR INGAWDUH FLIMKIEN CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

Il-Baħar Ingawduh Flimkien is the

This year’s campaign focuses on

Respect the distance between

title chosen for the new safety

four main principles:

boats – Avoid accidents and danger

was launched on June 6th by the

Don’t swim close to slipways and do

Boats and marine craft/vessels

Minister for Transport, Infrastructure

not hinder access to boats

of certain dimensions can create

at sea campaign for 2021, which

and Capital Projects, Hon. Dr. Ian

a large water ripple that can be

Borg. This is the 11th edition of the

Slipways are to be used strictly to

dangerous for smaller boats. It is

campaign since the establishment of

lower boats in the sea or to retrieve

being encouraged and emphasised

Transport Malta. The main scope of

them, and hence they should be

that more respect and consideration

the campaign, which is educational

accessible for this purpose at all

is shown by bigger boats towards

in nature, is to instil a more prudent

times. All vehicles should be removed

smaller boats when they are in their

behaviour in those who frequent

once a boat is lowered into the sea

proximity, as to avoid danger and/or

our beaches as well as those who

so that the slipway is kept clear.

unpleasant situations.

use seacraft and vessels during the

Swimmers are being encouraged

months of summer.

not to swim in the vicinity of slipways, both for their own safety as well as to keep the slipways accessible by boats at all times.

62 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Motor propelled maritime craft

is taken back home and separated

The Minister thanked Transport

should not be an obstacle to fishing

accordingly and as required. This

Malta and its various directorates

boats or sailing boats

appeal is made in a bid to contribute

for doing their best so that our seas

towards

are kept safe, most particularly the

Everyone needs to be prudent and

the

upkeep

our

environment, especially our seas.

keep the required proximity and velocity,

especially

Enforcement officers that spend long hours out at sea, away from

high-speed

During the launch of this year’s

their families to make sure that our

motorboats when there are sailing

campaign, the Minister for Transport

seas are safe for everyone who

boats and fishing vessels in the

said that as importance is given to

would like to enjoy them. He said

vicinity, and at all times in accordance

promote tolerance and respect on

that although the Government is

with International Regulations for

our roads, the same importance

committed to working on all levels so

the Prevention of Collisions at Sea.

must be given to user behaviour at

that the level of safety and security

sea. He reiterated that, “Education

would continue to be improved,

Don’t leave waste behind you,

by itself is not enough, and it is the

it is important that everyone acts

dispose of it correctly – Do Not Litter

duty and responsibility of everyone

responsibly and shows prudence

that

towards others, both on land as well

responsible

and

informed

A strong appeal is being made to not

decisions and choices are made,

litter our beaches. Waste should be

so that during the summer months

disposed of properly, and nothing

the maritime environment will be a

is to be disposed of into the sea. An

safe one to the extent that it can be

appeal is being made so that waste

enjoyed by many”.

as at sea.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Introduction to the Campaign 64 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Safety at Sea Campaigns have been

Safety at Sea

The human element remains a critical factor in maritime

organised annually for quite some time and such campaigns can be

The

Enforcement

safety issues, and is a major

traced back to 2003, during the period

Unit works with the maritime

element in most of the incidents

when the Malta Maritime Authority

community

and

at sea which occur around the

develop

strong

was being set up. Hence, the Safety at Sea Campaign was taken on when Transport Malta was set up back in 2010. It goes without saying that the

Maritime

foster

maritime

islands. As in previous years,

safety culture whilst enhancing

this year Transport Malta will

communication and information

continue to focus on the basic

sharing, thus improving the

principles of safety at sea to

safe passage of vessels. In

raise safety standards, promote

addition to the dissemination

safe practices at sea, and instil

of information to the general

the ‘safety mindset’ that one

promotion and overseeing of safety of

public,

the

should have within the maritime

navigation within the territorial waters

Transport Malta website as well

community. Everyone has a part

is one of the main responsibilities

as through a number of leaflets

to play to raise safety standards.

of Transport Malta, and partly

and other promotional material

contributing towards this end is the

to promote a safety-first mindset

This begins from the very

organisation of the annual Safety at

at sea, Maritime Enforcement

basic principle that every boat,

Sea campaign and promotion of safety

Unit officials also take part in

no matter how big or small it

practices with boat owners/skippers

frequent interviews on radio

is, must have a skipper. The

and television programmes to

skipper is legally responsible for

share information and promote

the safety of the boat and the

maritime-related

people on board. The skipper is

of vessels. It is precisely for this reason that during the last few years, Transport Malta has invested heavily in the reorganisation of its Maritime

namely

through

safety

practices.

also responsible for complying with the relevant rules and

The Unit, in the meantime,

regulations in force.

continues to step up its efforts

Enforcement Unit which is the main

year after year, in its effort to carry

Before a person commences

department responsible for regulating

out its enforcement duties, thus

any boating activity, apart from

maritime leisure activities in Maltese

ensuring compliance with rules

the required nautical licence to

ports and Maltese waters. The Unit,

and regulations, with a greater

operate vessels with a speed of

which falls under the responsibility of

emphasis on navigational and

30mph or more, the authority

the Transport Malta’s Enforcement

safety on board.

recommends to

Directorate, is also involved in the development and implementation of putting in place measures to better organise most of Malta’s popular bays and beaches. The Unit endeavours to ensure that boat users, whether private or commercial,

The Safety at Sea Campaign

enhance

everyone knowledge

undertaking a higher boating education

course,

the

The aim of the campaign is to use

‘Day Skipper’ or ‘Boat Master’

various approaches in reaching

courses, so one can better

out to various stakeholders

understand

including the general public, with

oneself with the ‘rules of the

a number of messages relating

road’ on the water, and have an

and

familiarise

to safety at sea, as well as a step

appreciation of boat safety and

comply with the relevant legislation and

up in enforcement on a number

best practice expected and

industry-related procedures.

of popular beaches to ensure

required.

that regulations are observed.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Tips on Boat and vessel safety

the boat, and ideally it should

board

be worn at all times.

plus an extra of each type

including

children,

(that is, one for adults and •

What to do to be safe at sea:

Equipment on board: anchor,

one for children)

bailer, spare fuel, torch, warm •

clothing, or blankets.

Before leaving the shore,

•

appropriate size and type on

check the weather forecast, including

the

general

Fire extinguishers of the

•

conditions for the whole day.

Ideally have two means of

all boats equipped with an

communication that work

engine

even when wet, such as VHF •

Ensure is

that

seaworthy

the and

boat

radio, flares, and a cell phone

well

in a plastic bag.

•

Waterproof First Aid Kit and waterproof flashlight

equipped with the necessary

•

equipment before departing.

•

Guard against fire.

•

Life raft or dinghy

Make sure to have local

•

Knowledge of the collision

•

VHF Radio

knowledge about the hazards

prevention rules and local

one can encounter at sea.

regulations.

•

Fixed or handheld GPS

The availability of necessary

•

Visual

Inform others about the

•

documentation.

trip to be undertaken, with

and 1 red flare)

as well as the date and time of

Safety

return to shore.

important information to know:

•

Bucket, bailer, or bilge pump

alcohol

Small ships should be equipped with

•

Ensure that all equipment is

when out at sea should be

safety equipment, and the following

avoided, and the skipper

is the recommended equipment and

is strictly forbidden from

safety gear. It is the responsibility

consuming alcohol.

of the Master (person in charge)

Consumption

Equipment

and

other

of the boat to ensure that there is •

•

signals

(minimum 1 orange smoke

information on the destination

•

distress

The boat or vessel should

appropriate lifesaving equipment

never be overloaded. Secure

easily accessible on board, and that

any heavy objects low and

everyone knows how to wear and

along the centreline.

use this equipment.

A life jacket for each person

•

on board must be available on

66 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Personal floating devices (PFD) for all persons on

within its expiry date.

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Common

distress

signalling

methods The five common distress signals are: •

Red parachute flare

•

Handheld red flare

•

Buoyant orange smoke

•

Raising and lowering of arms outstretched to each side

•

Mayday or distress message over VHF channel 16

•

Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) activation

Checking the Weather Before With the boating season well and truly underway, and hopefully the best boating conditions for the season still to come, it is important to remind you to check the weather before heading out for a day at sea. It can’t be emphasised enough how important it is to check the marine weather forecast as part of your trip preparation, no matter what time of year, how far from the shore you’ll venture, or how long you intend to stay out. The breeze can change quite dramatically,

especially

the

summer, when a strong afternoon sea breeze can change conditions immediately.

68 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Here are some weather watch

updates and weather warnings on

speed limits restrictions within ports

pointers to look out for when you

the VHF radio.

that must also be observed.

If one is in doubt, best is to stay

Navigating the seas

go boating: Check a marine weather forecast for

onshore and not go out.

predicted wave heights, keeping in mind that waves may intermittently

Whoever wishes to navigate and Safety Recommendations

drive a boat must ensure that they

reach up to twice the predicted height. Waves are mostly caused

are in possession of a valid nautical Respect speed limits

licence should the boat be equipped

by wind – generally, the stronger the

with an engine of 30 hp or larger. A

wind and the greater the fetch (the

To ensure safety at sea, Transport

valid certificate of insurance and

length of water over which wind has

Malta has established different

boat’s certificate of registration

blown), the larger the waves.

should also be on board the same

Local and underwater topography

vessel.

To ensure safety at sea, Transport Malta has established different speed limits within the Maltese Territorial Waters.

will affect the wind and waves. Waves can be short and steep in confined waterways such as bays and around the islands.

Waves

hitting

the shoreline bounce back, steepening and confusing seas. Read the clouds for signs

changing

weather. Take note if clouds are increasing or decreasing and watch the sequence of cloud formation

– for example, high-level feathery

Float Plan Navigators should develop an emergency procedure and a float plan. A float plan

should

include

details of the scheduled trip with dates and times of boat launch. First, one should describe the intended itinerary in detail and provide multiple points of contact for those aboard including cell phone

numbers, VHF radio (if available),

clouds are often a precursor to a

and even home addresses.

weather change. speed limits within the Maltese

One should focus on key places and

The weather forecast for seafarers

Territorial Waters. Mariners are

times when to check in or when one

is transmitted by VTS on channel 11 at

obliged to know and observe these

plans to return. Planning is important

08.03hrs – 12.03 – 18.03 – 23.03hrs.

limits. It is mandatory not to exceed

and details such as when and where

However, one may check at any

10 Knots when 300 metres away

to meet, type of weather, and so

time the local weather forecast and

from sandy beaches or 200 metres

on, should be included on the plan.

receive severe weather alerts from

away from rocky beaches, coasts,

Other important details such as boat

Malta International Airport (MIA)

and ports Speed should be limited

description, what will be done by the

website. Also, one can make use of

to 3 knots in marinas, yachting

boat operator if the trip is changed or

other sources such as Wind Finder,

centres, and near mooring and

delayed, and emergency equipment

Ventusky, and Windy.com websites.

speedboat lanes. Moreover, it is

on board, should be included.

When out at sea, one is to keep

pertinent to point out that no skiing is

a proper lookout, be aware of

permitted within the ports and their

changing conditions, and listen for

approaches, and that there arelower

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Safety at Sea 70 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Alcohol

accompanied by at least another person. One must equalize early and

Drinking alcohol may impair both

often while descending and never

one’s judgment as well as the ability

go deeper than one can comfortably

to control the craft. No craft can be

equalize.

driven in a dangerous or reckless

every dive and make safety stops.

manner or under the influence of

Continuously monitor depth, time,

alcohol. One must keep in mind that

and pressure. Common accidents

alcohol remains in the bloodstream

happen when you run out of air at

for up to 14 hours.

depth, so better be safe.

Watch

Navigational safety procedures

One is to keep a good lookout

Navigational

and proceed with a safe speed at

operated if the craft is operated

all times. Careful watch for other

between sunset and sunrise or in

boats, divers, and swimmers should

reduced visibility.

Ascend

lights

slowly

from

must

be kept at all times and the speed should be adapted for any particular

Emergency contacts and

circumstance. Reefs and shallow

equipment

waters are to be given a wide berth. Use common sense and discretion. Diving and snorkelling Diving has become one of the major attractions in summer and many tourists come to Malta specifically for that purpose. It is therefore important to remind enthusiasts and professional divers to follow the basic rules when diving into the sea. It is the responsibility of professional diving teachers to assess the hazards of a dive site and inform the divers of the hazards, brief divers on the layout and points of interest of a dive site, suggest routes for a dive at a specific site for autonomous divers, and check divers into and out of the water from a boat or shore entry point.

Who to call in case of an emergency? Is the right equipment available? Everything one needs to know in case of an emergency whilst out at sea or within the coast, is a must. No matter if one is walking along the coast, angling from rocks, out on a kayak, or sailing further out to sea, having the means to call for help in an emergency can mean the difference between life and death.

Scuba Diving comes with rules to keep you safe. As a general rule, one must never go diving without being

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Mariners are reminded that a mobile

Even if the phone shows no service,

kept on board to be used in cases of

phone does not replace the need of

112 should be called anyway as in

emergency.

a VHF marine radio on board, as a

an emergency the phone will be

call for assistance via the radio in an

able to use another phone network.

Handheld VHF/DSC (Very High

emergency at sea is more reliable

Please note that with some devices,

Frequency/Digital Selective Calling)

and effective. A call on a mobile

repeatedly pressing the power

If possible, one should purchase a

phone is a one-to-one contact,

button can activate an emergency

DSC-equipped radio (some are not).

whereas a call from the Marine radio

call with your location.

A DSC distress alert is a recognised

will reach and alert more listeners on the dedicated frequencies.

emergency signal, and it also Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

transmits your location.

PLBs use search and rescue If one ends up in an emergency or

satellites to send a message to the

A distress alert signal should be

spots someone else in trouble, 112 is

Armed Forces of Malta that clearly

sent, followed by a mayday voice call

to be contacted immediately to ask

indicates that one is in trouble. The

on Channel 16. This communicates

for assistance. With all water related

AFM then sends search and rescue

the distress message to all vessels

activities, TM strongly encourages

assets out to the GPS position given

and shore stations in range.

that

by the PLB.

one

takes

means

communication that is most suitable

It requires an operator’s licence, a

for the respective activity in case of

Automatic Identification System

ship’s portable radio or ship’s radio,

any help required. TM advises that

(AIS)

and a Maritime Mobile Service

one should make sure that they are

Identity (MMSI) number, which

familiar with equipment in terms of

AIS devices use VHF frequencies to

use, and that it is always kept within

transmit their location which can be

reach.

picked by all AIS receiving stations

comes with the radio licence.

within range, including commercial

Maritime

If one is on the coast or taking part in

ships and other leisure vessels. The

involvement

an inshore activity such as kayaking,

device does give a location but isn’t

then a mobile phone may suffice to

the recognised way of calling for

The Maritime Enforcement Unit

call for help. One should ensure that

help. AIS devices have a range of up

carries out its duties both from

the phone is fully charged before

to 5 nautical miles in open waters.

ashore and from onboard RHIBs

heading out, and might want to take a portable charger. Mobile phone

Enforcement

Officers’

at sea. One of the primary roles of If one falls overboard, especially in

the department is to manage the

the dark, it gives the crew the power

day-to-day functions of the control

to find the person quickly. When that

room on a 24/7 basis, continuous

AIS device goes off, everybody in

monitoring, review, and response

Keep the mobile phone in a

the vicinity (around 5 miles in open

to security incidents seen via the

waterproof

pouch.

The

phone

water) who has an AIS receiver

CCTV cameras and, ensuring that

should be carried on the person so

onboard will be able to locate you.

operations are run in accordance

it’s within easy reach – it’s no use if

Marine VHF Radio

with the Code of Practice and the

one can’t reach it.

Authority for Transport in Malta A VHF radio should always be

Smart

can

provide

procedures Manual.

available and used responsibly.

location, but emergency calls should

Mobile phone network coverage

Some of the main tasks that these

be made by voice (call 112 and ask

is not always available whilst out

officers perform daily are sea borne

for the Police).

at sea and it is therefore highly

patrols at beaches, bays, ports,

recommended that a VHF radio is

and on the territorial waters. They

phones

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

inspect commercial vessels and

the coast, not release toilet water in

pleasure yachts by looking for the

coastal waters and sensitive areas,

validity of the boat registration

not release poisonous or toxic items

and related documentation. The

(oil, paint, used batteries, cleaning

Maritime

Unit’s

agents) into the sea and therefore

objective is to educate and instil

Enforcement

deliver these types of waste to the

discipline into people out at sea. It

containers in the marina.

is more important for the team to acquire trust and confidence from

People

the general public, who should be

and use recycling facilities (glass,

aware that our local enforcement is

paper), use the most environmentally

there to assist and make sure that

friendly products that are available

the Maltese coast and sea are safe

and work efficiently, and instantly

and good order prevails.

report pollution or other violations

should

instead

promote

of environmental regulations to the In cases of infringements and

authorities. The Authority would like

contravention of the law and local

to see more people who are aware

regulations, these officers can issue

of the surroundings, protect animals

citations and take legal action as

and plants in the sea, including no

required. Furthermore, they may

disturbance of breeding birds or other

also

marine-related

marine mammals, protect vulnerable

activities by enforcing the applicable

coordinate

and nature-protected areas, and

regulations, such as the prevention

avoid damaging the sea floor.

of illegal mooring, and obstruction of slipways and landing places, and

Our behaviour should inspire and

enforce Notices to Mariners.

encourage other boaters to take care

Conclusion As part of the Safety at Sea Campaign, Transport Malta works with the maritime community on instilling a strong safety culture, enhancing communication and information sharing, and improving the safe passage of vessels. In addition to the distribution of information kits to promote a safety-first mindset at sea, Transport Malta, through its Maritime Enforcement Unit, will continue to conduct industry-wide briefing sessions to share safety best practices.

of the environment and respect the Safety and Pollution Prevention

surrounding areas, avoid loud music, and be more prudent and courteous.

Transport all

Malta

individual

boat

encourages owners

make efforts towards a better environment, to become part of one unified network and respect a

Passenger ferry safety standards will continue to be reinforced, and this includes screening of safety videos onboard ferries and passenger terminals.

number of environmentally friendly rules, and be a proud lover of the sea and our coastline. Boat owners must protect the environment and the sea and thus be responsible for their actions. Rules to follow for private boat owners whilst out at sea must be imprinted in the mind those out at sea. Transport

The Maritime Enforcement Unit will continue to develop a safety framework to improve the good practices and spearhead the drive for safety at sea among the community, to ensure the sustainability of the safety efforts.

Malta encourages people to not throw garbage into the sea or along

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JANUARY – END OF JUNE 2020 STATISTICS Vessels found contravening the regulations Warnings issued

235

Charges issued

177

Total

412

In order

776

Total number of inspections

1188

Breakdown of charges and warnings issued Over speeding

No insurance

Expired vessel registration

Engine not registered

No markings

Inappropriate markings

No nautical licence

Vessels not registered

Berthing in a prohibited area

Others

Total

412

JANUARY – 1ST WEEK OF JUNE 2021 STATISTICS Vessels found contravening the regulations Warnings issued

Charges issued

238

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Total

283

In order

610

Total number of inspections

893

Breakdown of charges and warnings issued Over speeding

No insurance

Expired vessel registration

Engine not registered

No markings

Inappropriate markings

No nautical licence

Vessels not registered

Berthing in a prohibited area

Others

Total

283

COVID-19 Inspections Total number of inspections carried out related to COVID-19 measures

1133

Total number of citations

145

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Patrick Pollacco

Peter Paul Barbara

Director - Maritime

Director

Enforcement Unit

Office of the Deputy CEO and

Enforcement Directorate

Chief Operating Officer

Tr a n s p o r t M a l t a

MARITIME ENFORCEMENT UNIT RECEIVES FIRST THREE RHIBS Tr a n s p o r t M i n i s t e r a t t e n d s o f f i c i a l l a u n c h

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“

In its effort to deal with increasing maritime traffic, Transport Malta is in the process of increasing its maritime assets so that it will be in a better position to cope with ever-increasing enforcement, safety, and security demands in our ports and internal waters. In doing so, the Authority has contracted five new RHIBs to enable the Maritime Enforcement Unit to increase its outreach as well as accommodate the 12 new enforcement officers who have recently joined the Unit.

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Three of the five RHIBs were

view of the increase of maritime-

just to make sure that regulations

officially launched on the 20th of

related activities, education and

are observed, but also to step

July by the Minister for Transport,

knowledge of regulations for those

up education among users and

Infrastructure and Capital Projects,

making use of the sea has become

promote safety.

Dr.. Ian Borg. The event was also

increasingly important.

“

The New RHIBs

The event was also addressed

The three RIHBs are equipped with the latest technology and carry an investment of almost €500,000.

by Mr. Joseph Bugeja, who said

The new RHIBs will provide Maritime

that Transport Malta is investing

Enforcement

heavily its own funds to upgrade

additional safety and comfort to

enforcement

carry out their duties in an improved

attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Transport Malta, Mr. Joseph Bugeja, by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Kevin Farrugia, and also by the Director of

the

Maritime

Enforcement

Department, Mr. Patrick Pollacco. During his address, Minister Borg said that although the investment being made by Transport Malta shows how much Malta’s maritime sector is a very strong one and is equipped with the latest technology, it also shows how much the Government has at heart the working conditions of employees by continuing to invest in the best equipment possible to improve such conditions, safety, and security at the place of work. He said that in

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

capabilities,

not

Unit

officers

with

Sea Trials

The three new rigid hull inflatable boats

assets will enhance the working

The first delivery from the five new

experience of its officers and also

RHIBs was the three smaller units

250 HP motors, and are built on a Glass

enable the Unit to carry out and

which are 35ft long. It took place

Reinforced Plastic (GRP) hull ringed

operate in more challenging sea

in the first week of July, where

with high grade Hypalon tubes.

conditions, even at night.

successful sea trials were carried

environment, giving them the ability to stay out at sea longer. The new

are equipped with Cuddy Cabins, are

out. The three RIHBs are equipped

The new vessels were immediately

Currently, the Unit has four assets at

with the latest technology and carry

put to test in a joint exercise with the Air

its disposal and with the new assets

an investment of almost €500,000.

Wing of the Armed Forces of Malta,

the fleet will be increased to 9 boats.

which was carried out successfully.

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Why RHIBs?

Compared to standard hard-sided

up on plane. The overall package

boats of the same dimensions, a

design means lighter wright and

The option to go for Rigid Hull

RHIB is generally lighter in weight

less friction with the water, which

Inflatable Boats was mainly due

with a lower centre of gravity, and

results in overall increased speed

to considerations taken over their

such characteristics are ideal for

and less fuel consumption, which

unique handling and performance

a certain and specific usage. The

in turn results in a longer range and

characteristics. These types of

lighter weight and hull design make

reachability.

boats are, most of the time, the

the boat’s manoeuvrability much

choice of professional mariners,

more agile and responsive to helm

Each inflatable tube sets on its part

especially for law enforcement

input. RHIBs in general have a

and offers lateral stability as well

agencies and maritime special

better “hole-shot” with less time

as a lot of reserve buoyancy, such

operations forces.

and speed/power to get the boat

that even when overloaded with

80 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

unevenly distributed weight, this

impact of the waves on the vessel,

The Maritime Enforcement Unit’s

forces down the tubes to touch

and which consequently also limit

comprehensive

the water which prevents the boat

any submergibility of the vessel.

enforcement vessels is all multi-

from capsizing. It is in difficult or

also

mission configurable, in order to

bad weather conditions when the

provides the vessel with stability and

include harbour and coastal security

RHIB’s dynamic design and general

agility during high-speed, high-angle

patrols, and is able to perform

performance is truly appreciated

turns, while its overall design makes

high-speed

when

hard-sided

boarding operations and transfer

This is apart from the day-to-day

vessels, and this is generally due to

of crew and equipment, as well as

enforcement duties that are the

the flexing actions of the tubes when

rescue operations and recovery,

main task of the Unit.

they hit the wave action of the water,

much easier and without any risk of

which in turn absorb and mitigate the

damages.

compared

addition,

the

tube-set

line-up

vessel

law

interception.

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Throughout the first two weeks of July, a number of sea trials were successfully carried out in the Grand Harbour as well as in the open sea, under supervision of the supplier. Transport Malta also put in place a new pontoon close to its slipway to be able to berth these larger assets and be ready for deployment as soon as any interventions are required.

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Rudolph Muscat Manager – Maritime Enforcement Coordinator Maritime Enforcement Unit

JOINT-RESCUE EXERCISE BETWEEN THE ARMED FORCES OF MALTA AND TRANSPORT MALTA Real Life Scenario testing of communication and co-ordination, team building, and efficiency

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As on similar occasions, this summer another real-life exercise between the Air Wing of the Armed Forces and the Maritime Enforcement Unit of Transport Malta was organised to test real-life scenarios and co-ordination.

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The Scena 88 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

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The Scenario

Until the arrival of a helicopter from the AFM Air Wing, ER3 kept

On wednesday 22nd July at around

assisting the casualty in the water to

07:30Hrs, whilst a TM RHIB was

avoid damaging further any existing

out on one of its routine patrols, the

fractures. ER4 also arrived on the

Maritime Control Centre (MCC) of

location to assist further.

Transport Malta in Ħal Lija received a call reporting that a jet ski was

Smoke was used by TM personnel

reported adrift in the South area of

to ease the identification of the

Malta circa 1.5 Nautical miles from

location for the oncoming helicopter.

Delimara Point. Enforcement RHIB 03 was despatched to commence

We received information to be on

a search for the jet ski and assist its

standby as an AFM helicopter was

owner if required.

despatched. At 08:30Hrs the AFM helicopter

arrived on location,

At around 08:00Hrs, the Maritime

made a fly pass to evaluate the

Enforcement Unit’s ER3 arrived on

situation, and communicated with

location and spotted the reported

TM RHIB ER3 via radio. On the

jet ski. When approaching, the

second approach, the helicopter

officers spotted a casualty who was

flew low enough to deploy two

unconscious but facing up with the

rescuers who immediately swam

assistance of the buoyancy aid that

towards the casualty, took over

he was wearing.

from the Transport Malta officer, and continued to administer First Aid.

The co-ordinating officer entered

The casualty was then secured, and

the

the rescuers used orange smoke

necessary First Aid and confirmed

to signal to the pilot that everything

that the casualty was breathing but

was prepared to winch the casualty

needed urgent medical assistance.

onboard the chopper.

water

administer

Hence, the AFM control room was contacted to dispatch immediate assistance.

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The casualty was then secured, and the rescuers used orange smoke to signal to the pilot... ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

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The exercise was co-ordinated by: Director - Maritime Enforcement – Mr. Patrick Pollacco

•

Maritime Enforcement Co-ordinator – Mr. Rudolph Muscat

•

Manager – Maritime EnforcementMr. Jeffrey Bonnici

•

AFM – Lieutenant Colonel Grech James L

•

AFM Pilot – Captain Mark Anthony Cassar

•

Maritime Enforcement RHIB Master – SMEO. Kenneth Spiteri

•

Casualty – MEO Matthew Vella

•

Assets deployed for the exercise:

•

Enforcement RHIB ER3

•

Enforcement RHIB ER4

•

Jet ski

•

AFM- SAR vessel was on standby

•

AFM Helicopter AW139

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Peter Paul Barbara Director Office of the Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer Tr a n s p o r t M a l t a

NEW MALTA-GOZO FAST FERRY SERVICE INTRODUCED

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From the Gozo side, both ferries depart from the newly built facilities at the Port of Mġarr, which have also been operated by Transport Malta over the same period that the Lascaris Terminal was being constructed. It is estimated that the new Fast Ferry Service will cut approximately two (2) hours in travel time for Gozitan workers when compared to the Mġarr Ċirkewwa ferry service operated by Gozo Channel when taking into consideration boarding time, the journey itself across the channel, and driving from Ċirkewwa down to

“The launch of the new service and the respective infrastructure is another milestone in promoting current and future...”

Valletta. The route used by the fast ferry service catamarans is different than that taken by the Gozo Channel ferry services, being allotted a route going around the island of Comino, through the Gozo channel, rather than passing in front of it as the Gozo Channel ferries do.

As from the 1st of June of this year,

Projects, Dr. Ian Borg, and Hon.

From data released by Transport

Gozitans and Maltese alike can avail

Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri.

Minister, Dr. Ian Borg, it transpired

themselves from a new service to

that from June 1st, that is, since the

commute between Malta and Gozo.

The service is being provided on a

start of the operations, more than

The long-awaited fast ferry service

fixed schedule by two competing

42,000 passengers have made use

between the Valletta Grand Harbour

operators: Gozo Fast Ferry and Virtu

of the new service, with over a total

and the Port of Mġarr in Gozo was

Ferries Gozo. The two companies

of 1,086 trips carried out between the

officially inaugurated by the Hon.

are operating fast catamarans from

Port of Valletta and the Port of Mġarr.

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Abela in

the newly built terminal in Valletta

Valletta at the new fast ferry terminal

which was constructed over one

The launch of the new service

at Barriera Wharf, which was built

month

Malta

and the respective infrastructure

in record time specifically to host

for Transport Malta, which is the

is another milestone in promoting

this service. A similar terminal has

operator of the terminal. In addition,

current and future maritime services

also been built at the Port of Mġarr.

a number of public transport bus

and infrastructure in Malta, especially

The inauguration of the service was

services have been introduced to

since their demise a decade or so

also attended by Hon. Minister for

complement the service, making it

after the end of World War II.

Transport, Infrastructure and Capital

even more accessible to commuters.

Infrastructure

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

The Launch of the service

equal manner to the private sector

The Launch was also addressed

so that the latter can compete in an

the

Minister

for

Transport,

open market. This is with the aim that

Infrastructure and Capital Projects Dr.

invested

the public is offered new services,

Ian Borg, marking this day as another

approximately €2.5 million in the fast

contributing to the generation of

important day for Malta since with

ferry project to make the introduction

employment as well as towards

the introduction of this new service

of the service possible, which paved

economic growth. The Prime Minister

we will be opening our country

the way for the private sector to also

reiterated that the Government and

for

invest in the service.

whoever creates employment are

season. He said that this project

partners in the quest to improve the

During the launch of the service, Hon.

quality of life of workers residing both

the Government’s commitment to

Prime Minister Dr. Robert Abela said

in Malta and Gozo. He said that Gozo

efficient and clean mobility.

that the way the Government looked

residents using this service will be

at this project symbolises what the

saving 500 hours over a year, hours

Apart from the fact that this service

Government believes in. He said that

that could be spent with families.

will be improving the connectivity

The

Government

has

another another

successful investment

tourism showing

the Government believes that the

between the two islands, this project

State provides opportunities in an

is also marking another step forward

“...marking this day as another important day for Malta...”

98 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

in maritime infrastructure, wherein

from which future generations will

between the two islands for the

the Government sought to take

benefit, with different, efficient, and

benefit of Gozitans, in a bid to assist

opportunities so that it continues

cleaner modes of transport including

them with reducing the burdens that

to offer facilities of the highest level

maritime transport, and last but not

the daily commute brings. Through

through work carried out on the quays,

least, mass transport.

this service, Gozo residents will not

especially that of Barriera Wharf

On his part, Minister for Gozo Hon.

only have reduced travel time but

as well as the two fully accessible

Clint Camilleri said that through the

also more free time on their hands

terminals. Minister Borg concluded

introduction of this new service, the

to spend as they wish, including with

that the Government’s plan is to have

Government is fulfilling its electoral

families and friends.

holistic transport in the long run,

pledge

improve

accessibility

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

He said that because of this service there are a number of Gozitans who are thinking of relocating back to Gozo, since they can now cross to Malta on a daily basis in less time, adding that this service will also be beneficial for the business and commercial community as the fast ferry will incentivise incoming tourists to visit and spend more time in Gozo.

Testing and comparing the two services For the purpose of this article, T-21 tried out the two services, making the first leg from the Mġarr Terminal to the Valletta Terminal using the Gozo Fast Ferry service on the first morning trip, and returning to the Mġarr Port Terminal on the Virtu Ferries Gozo service. Before giving a user experience of both services, it is to be noted that the respective catamarans do not take vehicles (cars, motorbikes, or scooters

{electric-kickscooters

are allowed, as are bicycles}) on board as the Gozo Channel ferry boats do. This means that if one is coming to one of the terminals with a personal vehicle, this has to be left in the vicinity of both terminals or at the Park+Ride facility (in case of Valletta), or else one has to use the new services provided by Malta Public Transport or any other form of transport service available.

100 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

For those coming from Malta,

Tallinja Card applies for both ferry

simple tap through the Tallinja card

another option is to park one’s car

services, that is, Gozo Fast Ferry and

ticket machine at either ferry terminal

at any of the private or public car

Virtu Ferries.

is enough to board, without much

parks in Floriana and take Bus X133

hassle. When purchasing tickets

from the Valletta Bus Terminus. This

One has to note that passengers

via a smartphone in both cases,

free shuttle service will stop at the

arriving at the fast ferry terminal in

passengers can just display their

bus stop ‘Lascaris’ just outside the

Valletta from the Cottonera area in

ticket on their smartphone and have

terminal. On the other hand, if one is

Malta via the current inter-harbour

it scanned on the ticket reader easily.

heading to the Valletta Terminal from

ferry service may be best suited, as

the University of Malta, Mater Dei

the landing ferry site of this service

The Virtu Ferries Gozo service

Hospital, or the Junior College, one

is just few meters away from the

allows

can catch Bus number X300 which

Gozo ferry terminal. This further

purchases, including the purchase

will stop right in front of the terminal

cuts down on travel time, should one

of tickets (although not through a

in Valletta.

opt to use the harbour ferry service

dedicated app) from the Virtu ticket

Alternatively, if one is going straight

rather than the personal car or even

booth at either terminal. The cost

to the city centre (or even to the

public transport.

of the ticket in this case, whether

online

bookings

and

purchased online or at the terminal,

Valletta Bus Station) one can just

is the same.

“Ideally, one should use the Tallinja card when purchasing tickets as this has its benefits...”

the

booking

other and

hand, buying

tickets for the Gozo Fast Ferry Service can be done online via a smart phone, or in person at either terminal,

which

costs

more. It will cost even more if one buys tickets at the terminal at the last minute before the trip, which is a pitfall as far as

walk a few meters (direction Cruise

With respect to passengers coming

overall cost and the sustainability of

Passenger Terminal through the

to Valletta from Gozo, Bus 301 from

the trip from a financial perspective

Lascaris short tunnel) and will be

Victoria stops exactly in front of the

are concerned, especially if one has

able to take the Barrakka Lift.

Mġarr Terminal.

to avail of the service in a frequent

Access to the Barrakka Lift is free for

Booking and Buying Ferry Tickets

manner. those passengers purchasing Ferry tickets through the Tallinja Card and arriving to Valletta from Mġarr, Gozo.

Ideally, one should use the Tallinja

Such free access to the Lift with the

card when purchasing tickets as

purchase of ferry tickets through the

this has its benefits, meaning that a

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly 101

Ticket Costs As already indicated above, using a Tallinja Card has its benefits, and this includes discounted prices by both operating companies. Having said that, the current schedule of prices indicate that the Gozo Fast Ferry service is slightly cheaper

Whilst

than the Virtu Ferry Service. Both

discounted fares for passengers

services allow, for free, bicycles,

who have a Tallinja Card, Gozo Fast

pedelecs or electric-kickscooters

Ferry fares are currently cheaper

on board (Gozo Fast Ferry limits

if you’re an adult when not using

the number of bicycles to nine).

Tallinja Card, with the cost of a

both

catamarans

offer

return ticket being €9.99, or €7.99 if using the Tallinja Card.

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It is to note that it is possible to purchase a one-way ticket in any direction when using the Virtu Fast Ferry, however, the Gozo Fast Ferry allows only the purchase of a oneWhen compared, the Virtu Ferry Gozo’s standard price for an adult without a Tallinja Card is higher than Gozo Fast Ferry’s, with the price for a return ticket being €12,00 whereas with a Tallinja Card the price drops down to €7.50, which is cheaper than the Gozo

way tickets. For an adult person residing in Gozo, the price for a return ticket goes down to €4.50 with both Gozo Fast Ferry and with Virtu Ferries, whether one presents a Tallinja Card or not.

Fast Ferry Service.

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Gozo Fast Ferry Service

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The following is the cost of return tickets as advertised on the Gozo Fast Ferry Service website:

Senior Citizens and Mobility Impaired – €3.99 The fare for Kartanzjan/Maltese

Fare for Kartanzjan/Maltese 60+ Identity Card holders and holders of a Disability Card – €3.99.

60+ Identity Card holders and for

Adult Standard - €9.99

holders of a Disability Card is that of €3.99. Customers can pay with

The fare for anybody 17 and older is

their credit card online, or in cash

that of €9.99 when paying without

or card at the Ticket Booth in the

the Tallinja Card.

terminals. Customers can also pay with their Tallinja Concession Card.

Tallinja Adult Card – €7.99

Visit www.publictransport.com.mt/ concession for more information

The fare for anybody 17 and older

about the Tallinja Concession Card

is that of €7.99 when paying with a

and to register.

Last-Minute Fare At The Ferry Adult Fare – €12. Child Fare (between 4 and 10 years old, both included) – €6. Gozo Resident Fare – €4.50.

Tallinja Adult Card (Green).

Gozo Residents – €4.50 Infants up to 4 years – Free The fare for Gozitan residents is Infants who haven’t yet turned 4

that of €4.50. Gozitan residents

may travel for free. Infants must be

can either pay with their Tallinja

seated on the ferry, and one must

Gozo Card (Purple) or present their

therefore book their seat too.

Identity Card when purchasing a ticket from a Ticket Seller,

Fare for Kartanzjan/Maltese 60+ Identity Card holders and holders of a Disability Card – €3.99.

Book online and from the app

Tallinja Child Card – €3.99. The fare

whether they are paying in cash

for children between 4 and 10 years

or by card. The Identity Card

If one doesn’t have a Tallinja Card, one

old (both included) is that of €3.99

must show residency in Gozo. It is

can still benefit from reduced fares

when paying with a Tallinja Child

recommended that Gozo residents

when booking from the Gozo Fast

Card (Yellow).

obtain their Tallinja Gozo Card for

Ferry Service website, or from the

faster boarding of our ferries.

free Gozo Fast Ferry smartphone app

Tallinja Student Card – €7.99

available on the Apple App Store or

Online And In-App Fares

Google Play Store.

The fare for anybody aged between 11 and 16 (both included) and anyone

The fare for an adult when booking

Adult Fare – €9.99.

online or from the app is that of €9.99,

else who is attending a full-time course with a recognised educational institution for at least three months is that of €7.99 when paying with a

and that for a child is €5.99 (between

Child Fare (between 4 and 10 years old, both included) – €5.99.

4 and 10 years of age).

Tallinja Student Card (Red).

Gozo Resident – €4.50.

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Virtu Ferries Gozo

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The following is the cost of the return ticket structure as advertised on the Virtu Ferries Gozo Service website: Adult Standard - €12.00 The fare for anybody 17 and older is that of €12.00 when paying without the Tallinja Card.

Tallinja Adult Card – €7.50 The fare for anybody 17 and older

The fare for children aged between 4 and 10 (both included) using Tallinja Child Card costs €3.99. Children of 4 to 10 years of residing in Gozo – €3.50 The fare for children between 4 and 10 years old (both included) residing in Gozo is €3.50.

Tallinja Student Card

Gozo Residents – €4.50 The fare for Gozitan residents is that of €4.50. Gozitan residents can either pay with their Tallinja Gozo Card (Purple) or present their Identity Card when buying a ticket from a Ticket Seller and paying in cash or with bank card. The Identity Card must show residency in Gozo.

Club Class Service

is that of €7.50 when paying with a Tallinja Adult Card.

Infants up to 3 years – Free Infants who haven’t yet turned 4 may travel for free. Infants must be seated on the ferry, and one must therefore book their seat too.

Children of 4 to 10 years of age – €6.00

The fare for anybody aged between 11 and 16 (both included), and anyone else who is attending a full-time course with a recognised educational institution for at least three months is that of €7.99 when paying with a Tallinja Student Card (Red).

Virtu also offers a VIPClub Class section with an additional charge of €3.00 per person each way. Customers can pay with their credit card online, or in cash or by card at the Ticket Booth in the terminals. Customers can also pay with their Tallinja Concession Card.

Senior Citizens and Mobility Impaired

The fare for children between 4 and 10 years of age (both included) is that of €6.00 when paying without Tallinja Child Card.

Children of 4 to 10 years of age with Tallinja Card – €3.99

The fare for Kartanzjan/ Maltese 60+ Identity Card holders and for holders of a Disability Card is that of €4.00 without the Tallinja Card, whereas if using a Tallinja Card the price for a return ticket is €3.50.

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Schedules and Services on both Ferries

Additional Services on Board To allow for more intermodality, both companies allow for users to take their bicycles on board, but there are limitations on the number of bicycles that can be taken on board. Both operators do not charge any additional charges for bicycles although there is a maximum capacity of 9 units per vessel, so this is rather limiting to a group of cyclists of more than nine, if they want to make the trip together.

Catamarans

ferries also include a VIP section.

Gozo Fast Ferry:

They are capable of reaching a top

Both services offer free WiFi service to passengers.

speed of 32 knots. Gozo Fast Ferry has put in service two high-speed passenger crafts

Schedules

Virtu Ferries Gozo:

on the route between Valletta and Mgarr, Gozo, named ‘Your Faith’ and

On the other hand, Virtu Ferries

Gozo Fast Ferry Service

‘Your Wisdom’. Built recently in 2018,

Gozo is using two older catamarans

Virtu Ferries Gozo Service

they can seat 300 passengers. The

which were previously used on the Malta – Catania – Pozzallo run, and before being deployed to Malta, they were operating in the North Adriatic between Croatia and Venice. The maximum service speed of these catamarans is that of 38 knots. These are the San Franġisk and the San Pawl, both of which can carry up to 330 passengers.

What about User Experience? One can say that both journeys took almost the same time from Mġarr to

110 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Valletta using the Gozo Fast Ferry,

Note from the Editor

as well as from Valletta to Mġarr with the Virtu Ferries Gozo. As far as the experience is concerned, the former was slightly better (both noise and seating), and this can be attributed to the fact that they are newer. However, all-in-all, both trips were

It is to be noted that all information regarding both services was taken from the respective websites of the two operators as well as from questions and answers as supplied until going to print. It is to be noted that prices, conditions, and schedules are subject to change, and one is to check for daily updates on both websites and social media offered by the respective operators before taking a trip.

comfortable. Also, both companies offer refreshments and snacks on board their vessels.

How long did the journey take? The trip from Mġarr to Valletta took place on June 25th, using the Gozo Fast Ferry Catamaran. Arriving late, I had to pay for the surcharge, of which at the time I wasn’t aware, as I had failed to check the operator’s website. Having said that, the trip left at 6.45am sharp and docked at the Valletta terminal at 7.25am. The trip back from Valletta to Mġarr was carried out on the Virtu Ferries Gozo on the 8.15am trip and arrived at Mġarr at 8.58am. In between the trips I walked to the Barrakka Lift, up to the Gardens, and down again a few minutes later. So, one can say that indeed both trips took under 45 minutes to complete, either way. This means that in 2.15hrs, I managed to complete the round trip and spend about 30 minutes in Valletta. We think the result can speak for itself. A very good job well done for both operators.

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Perit Janice Borg

C o l . P e r i t R o b e r t C . Ve l l a

Head Maritime Unit

Project Leader and

Infrastructure Malta

E xe c u t i v e A r c h i t e c t

TWO NEW FAST FERRY TERMINALS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CHANNEL

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly 113

In the last years, the Ministry for

Whilst the historical importance of

a detailed review of Melitensia

Transport,

and

the quay is not to be neglected, the

publications

Capital Projects was looking at re-

constant changing in port activities

Reference was also made to various

introducing the service of a Fast

and the evolution of maritime

publications and archives. A search

Ferry between the two main islands

technology

was carried out at the archives of

in the Maltese archipelago. After

the

the Office of Public Works, with

numerous hurdles, this service was

harbour infrastructures. Dredging,

more recent data retrieved from

made possible earlier this year,

realignments, and extensions have

the Planning Authority Archives.

exactly on the 1st of June 2021

been taking place from the very

The

through a €2.5 million investment.

beginning of harbour use, often

comprises the surviving papers

independently from the evolution

(files, bound volumes, maps, and

Two main locations were chosen in

plans)

strategic Port areas – one at Barriera

buildings

Wharf in Valletta and the other at

recently-implemented

Infrastructure

has

constant

necessitated adjustment

administrative located

storage

nearby.

Office

was

carried

Public

accumulated

out.

Works

since

its

The

formation in 1831 and, in some

cases, the inherited papers of the

Mġarr Harbour. The embarkation

Infrastructure Malta, including quay

bodies whose functions it took over.

areas needed to be as close as

improvement, formation of access

These include functions previously

possible to main nodes of transport.

road, embellishment, and pedestrian

performed by the Directors General

In the case of Valletta, it also needed

management, provides a significant

of Inland Navigation, the Fisheries

to be close to the Barrakka Lift to

variety of support facilities to the

Commissioners,

provide easy access to the upper

maritime sector, with potential future

General, and the Civil Buildings

areas of Valletta.

expansion.

Commissioners

works

the in

Postmaster the

early

nineteenth century. Fast-Ferry Terminal – Xatt il-Barriera

The Fast-Ferry Terminal at Xatt il-

off Ta’ Liesse,

Barriera off Ta’ Liesse in Valletta

From data gathered through the

has been identified by Transport

plans/survey sheets, one may note a

Malta as most suitable to provide

substantial change in the topography

an adequate berth for the operation

of the area post-WWII. This because

Designing for the Capital City

of the Fast Ferry service for

is an honour that comes with

passengers between Mġarr, Gozo

reconstruction post-war, including

responsibilities. Responsible design

and Valletta, estimated to take

major infrastructural works carried

is further amplified when the site

just under 45 minutes. This site is

out by the Government of Malta in

is located at Xatt il-Barriera off Ta’

also located next to the Barrakka

the late 1970’s, in particular along the

Liesse, at the Grand Harbour in

Lift, providing an efficient and fast

ring-road around Barriera Wharf. It

Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage

connection between the waterfront

is pertinent to point out that during

Site.

Grand

Grand Harbour side of Valletta,

the British period, Valletta also

Harbour Local Plan issued by the

and the heart of the city of Valletta

underwent

Malta Environmental and Planning

through

changes.

Authority, the site is designated for

Gardens.

Grand Harbour, Valletta.

According

the

Upper

Barrakka

Port-related uses and allocated for

heavy

bombardment

several These

and

construction included

the

widening of roads and gates such as the Victoria Gate, amongst others.

a Rapid Transit Route in the Long-

Historical and Architectural

On the other hand, Valletta suffered

Term

Analysis

extensive damage during World

Strategy.

The

Fast-Ferry

service was another milestone in this direction.

War II, with heavy losses, including To arrive to a meaningful analysis,

114 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

that of the building abutting the Old

Fish Market in Valletta, shown in the

Until the Second World War, the area

Another

photo below.

under review, known as the Marina,

work in the area lost throughout the

renowned

architectural

was one of the main gateways into

years is Lascaris Garden, better

A photographic record depicting

the island. This was also the landing

known as Ġnien is-Sultan.

economic and social activity at the

place for travellers to Gozo (same

Marina - Valletta

function given recently with the

(Source: Richard Ellis Collection)

Works

site

for

the

Fast-

introduction of the Fast-

Ferry Terminal at Xatt il-Barriera

Ferry service between

commenced with archaeological

Malta and Gozo). The old

and

fish market (demolished

investigations, together with trial pits

in the 1970s) and its

consented by the Superintendence

surroundings

geological

sub-surface

became

of Cultural Heritage. Investigations

one of the main hubs

were undertaken in accordance

with

activity,

reaching

the

into Valletta via Strada

instructions

Levante

(East

Superintendence’s and

the

Cultural

Street),

Heritage Act. Following clearance

through the 16th century

of site, works progressed steadily,

Porta del Monte or Marina

with typical military precision, within

Gate, later replaced by

site

constraints

and

restricted

Galizia’s Victoria Gate (1884-85) to

timeframes, and in conformity with

improve transit to and from the city.

approved

plans

and

measures

ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly 115

imposed by the Environment &

to the underlying bedrock. Apart

Resources Authority. Works were

from maritime works, attention

complete on time, within eight (8)

was also given to providing a safe

calendar weeks, for the inauguration

passageway to the Barrakka lift.

ceremony on the 1st of June 2021

This work included the restoration

and subsequent operation of high-

of the Ta’ Liesse tunnel and road re-

speed passenger ferries linking Xatt

surfacing works.

il-Barriera off Ta’ Liesse, in the Grand Harbour in Valletta to Mġarr, Gozo.

Located deep within the tunnel, beneath Valletta’s bastions, we

Fast-Ferry Terminal – Mġarr

came across a rock-cut passage

Harbour, Mġarr

which is thought to be a World War II air raid shelter. Currently,

The

terminal

constructed

the possibility of opening said

Mġarr is of a smaller scale than

shelter for public viewing is being

the one in Valletta however it still

assessed.

serves its purpose. Attention was

the road works, we uncovered a

given to cater for the needs of the

buried rock-cut tunnel. Under the

passengers in terms of the facilities

guidance of the Superintendence

provided. Finding a location proved

of Cultural Heritage, a new access

more difficult in this case, since the

to this tunnel was formed for future

Mġarr harbour is much smaller than

archaeological studies.

addition,

during

the Valletta one and that is full of activity.

In Mġarr, the ground conditions proved challenging in their own

The Construction Process

right. Bedrock is located at very deep levels and thus a system

Maritime projects differ in nature to

of piles embedded at a depth of

land based ones. At both sites, we

circa 22m into clay was opted for.

had an existing quay that needed

Apart from this, the quay face was

to be amended to cater for new

heavily deteriorated and extensive

vessels. Both solutions included the

underwater repair works had to be

use of piles to provide a foundation

carried out.

for the overlying structures and also to strengthen the existing

It is to note that at both sites

structures.

number

cannons

were

unearthed under the direction of In Valletta, the major challenge

the Superintendence of Cultural

was the retention of the overlying

Heritage, and these were eventually

road, and this was achieved by the

handed over to Heritage Malta. The

construction of a retaining wall

latest use of such cannons was that

resting on piles diverting loads

of bollards for ships’ mooring. lines.

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117

Drone Images and Construction Site Images provided by Infrastructure Malta.

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Of the two cannons removed from Mġarr, one dates back to the period of the Knights, while the other is a very rare 9-pounder Rifle Muzzle Loader (pdrRML). Its rarity is because most similar examples, both locally and internationally, were scrapped throughout the years. Such a cannon was originally put into use by the Royal Artillery back in 1871. This project was immediately embraced by Maltese and Gozitans, and is expected to further enhance multiple economic niches, especially to cruise liner visitors at Valletta Cruise Port, who will now have the possibility to visit Gozo during their short stay in Malta. The service will also have a significant social impact, substantially reducing travel time for commuters, leading more people to make Gozo their home.

Results reveal that the aggregation procedure to obtain the overall economic, social, and environmental benefits from this project, have been achieved.

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VALLETTA - MĠARR CONNECTION - A NEW MULTIMODAL EXPERIENCE

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The newly introduced Valletta – Mġarr Fast Ferry Service has presented to commuters from both islands a newly and a much-needed multimodal experience, including the promotion of the last-mile concept using various intermodal transport services in and around port areas. In part, this has been the culmination of a policy that TM was working on for quite some time, which continued to be developed by the SMITHs concept. Intermodality, and indeed the need for one to use less of his or her private car couldn’t be explained or demonstrated better with the introduction of the Malta – Gozo Fast ferry service, which brings commuters straight to the heart of the Capital City with so much ease and without using a personal private car.

esidents living in and around Valletta, around the Port of Marsamxett and the Cottonera who wish to go to Gozo (or vice versa) for work or pleasure are best suited with this connection. Commuters already using

the Cottonera – Valletta and the indeed the Sliema – Marsamxett inter-harbour ferry service can literally be in Gozo in around an hour, depending on which area one is coming from. Hence, this service is nothing short of a game changer as far as accessibility between the two islands is concerned; it is another milestone in the promotion of internal maritime transport services and infrastructure, and augers well for any future similar services and facilities.

Peter Paul Barbara Director

On the other hand, people travelling from Mġarr, Gozo to Valletta

Office of the Deputy CEO

can also go to Cottonera in nearly the same amount of time as one

and Chief Operating Officer

would go to Valletta through the Barrakka Lift, which is literally a

Tr a n s p o r t M a l t a

few meters away from the Lascaris Fast Ferry Terminal.

124 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

have introduced a number of new services to complement the new fast ferry service. The following are the new services:

Route 300 – between Lascaris and University/ Mater Dei, every 30 minutes. Lascaris to Mater Dei – First trip starts at 06:40 and last trip ends at 16:57 (weekdays); First trip starts at 07:10 and last trip ends at 18:57 (weekends). Mater Dei to Lascaris - First trip starts at 07:15 and last trip ends at 19:28 (weekdays); First trip starts at 07:15 and last trip ends at 19:28 (weekend). The reason for this route is to facilitate

transit

for

students,

patients, and hospital visitors from the Fast Ferries and back.

It takes 10 minutes from the terminal to

ferry terminal in Valletta. Another

Barrakka Gardens. On the other hand,

option is to park one’s car in other

if one needs to go to Sliema, they can

car parking facilities in Floriana and

either take a pedelec, a shuttle bus, or

take Bus X133 from the Valletta Bus

even walk to the other side of Valletta

Terminus. This free shuttle service

and take the inter-harbour ferry

will stop at the bus stop ‘Lascaris’

service to Sliema or go to the Valletta

just outside the terminal.

Lascaris to Valletta - First trip starts at 06:05 and last trip ends at 22:05 (for both weekdays and weekends). Valletta to Lascaris - First trip starts

Bus Terminus and go by bus, or even share a car or take a cab.

Route X133 – (shuttle route) between Lascaris and Valletta, every 30 minutes.

Improved Bus Connections

at 06:20 and last trip ends at

between the Hubs

21:50 (for both weekdays and weekends).

For commuters using their personal vehicles, a shuttle bus service has

To complement the fast ferry

also been incorporated to give

service, a number of public bus

The reason for this route is because

people the flexibility to park their car

transport

been

it facilitates onward travel by bus to

in the Floriana Park+Ride facility and

introduced to make accessibility

any locality from the Valletta Bus

use the service to travel to the fast

easier. Transport Malta and MPT

Terminus.

services

have

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Route TD30 – between Xlendi and Mġarr, every 30 minutes.

Route 301 – between Mġarr and Victoria, approximately every 30-45 minutes.

First trip starts from Xlendi at 09:45

Victoria to Mġarr - First trip starts

and last trip ends in Mġarr at 19:07

from Victoria at 05:30 and last trip

(weekdays); First trip starts from

ends in Mġarr at 23:11 (Monday

Xlendi at 09:45 and last trip ends in

to Saturday); First trip starts from

Mġarr at 19:07 (weekends).

Victoria at 05:30 and last trip ends in Mġarr at 23:11 (Sunday).

First trip starts from Mġarr at 10:08 and last trip ends in Xlendi at 19:34

Mġarr to Victoria - First trip starts

(weekdays), First trip starts from

from Mġarr at 05:55 and last trip

Mġarr at 10:08 and last trip ends in

ends in Victoria at 23:32 (Monday

Mġarr at 20:04 (weekends).

to Saturday); First trip starts from

Mġarr at 05:55 and last trip ends in

Route TD31 - between Marsalforn and Mġarr, every 30 minutes, First trip starts from Marsalforn at 09:47 and last trip ends in Mġarr at 21:07 (weekdays); First trip starts from Marsalforn at 09:75 and last trip ends in Mġarr at 20:37 (weekends). First trip starts from Mġarr at 10:08 and last trip ends in Marsalforn at 21:02 (weekdays); First trip starts from Mġarr at 10:08 and last trip ends in Marsalforn at 21:02 (weekends).

Victoria at 23:32 (Sunday).

Route 322 - between Mġarr and Marsalforn, approximately every 30 minutes. Marsalforn to Mġarr - First trip starts from Marsalforn at 05:10 and last trip ends in Mġarr at 22:07 (Monday to Saturday); First trip starts from Marsalforn at 05:10 and last trip ends in Mġarr at 22:06 (Sunday). Mġarr to Marsalforn - First trip starts from Mġarr at 05:55 and last trip ends in Marsalforn at 22:52 (Monday

Route to MCAST Paola

to Saturday); First trip starts from Mġarr at 05:55 and last trip ends in

In September of this year, a new

Marsalforn at 22:52 (Sunday).

route between Lascaris and MCAST Paola will be introduced. This route is designed to help Gozitan Students who need to travel to this Institution. These new routes complement the already existing routes departing from Mġarr Harbour in Gozo.

Route 323 - between Mġarr and Victoria, approximately every 60 minutes. Victoria to Mġarr - First trip starts from Victoria at 05:20 and last trip ends in Mġarr at 22:34 (Monday to

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Saturday); First trip starts from

Hill, the War Memorial, and down

Victoria at 05:20 and last trip ends

Triq l-Assedju l-Kbir.

in Mġarr at 22:34 (Sunday). According to surveys, the total Mġarr to Victoria - First trip starts

number

from Mġarr at 05:45 and last trip

travelled by ferry in 2019 amounted

ends in Victoria at 22:58 (Monday

to 1,484,173.

passengers

who

to Saturday); First trip starts from Mġarr at 05:45 and last trip ends in

To add to the intermodal services in

Victoria at 22:58 (Sunday).

and around the Ferry Landing Sites (which now have become fully

Connecting Valletta’s

fletched local transport hubs) one

Harbours by bus

will find the Barrakka Lift, electric pedelec services (various stations

A free bus service will be available

operated by different operators

for all users of the ferry service and

can be found nearly in walking

will also be free of charge.

distances of the ferry landing sites, including Sliema), car sharing

Regarding the route, the bus will be

services, electric scooter sharing,

passing through Triq San Mark, Old

as well as electric-kickscooter

Bakery Street, Triq San Bastjan,

services.

St. Elmo Place, Triq il-Mediterran, Quarry Wharf, and Lascaris Wharf. The journey from Lascaris to Marsamxett will be from Crucifix

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Maria Gove Senior Manager GIS Unit

AN APP THAT HELPS MARITIME ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS STREAMLINE THEIR WORK

130 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

Technology is at the forefront of the optimisation of our workflows, as it increases efficiency, collaboration, and ease of use in innovative ways. This is centric to Transport Malta, as the GIS Unit is looking at digitising the current processes to centralise into approachable solutions.

deployed as to streamline their tasks

communication on the immediate

at work. Our primary objective was

action whilst events were still

to provide a user-friendly solution to

unfolding on the field.

facilitate the tasks at work. This time, the Maritime Enforcement Officers

Linking to the centralised database

were more than willing to embrace

of the GIS Platform, the Maritime

this challenge and this technology,

Control Room now can visualise

and found the app easy to use as it

this

made their work more efficient.

other spatial datasets related to

information

together

with

Maritime Enforcement. In addition to Equipped with a tablet, Officials

capturing the real-time information

may capture the current situation

and visualising this data, staff can

of Slipways and Quays whilst pre-

also perform their queries where

One of the Maritime Enforcement

empting any maintenance required

immediate critical action is required

Unit’s responsibilities is assessing

in real-time. Data capture has never

and prioritise them accordingly.

the Slipways and Quays around

been done so fast, accurately, and

Malta and Gozo. This entails visiting

easily in their line of work.

By streamlining the inspection

every Slipway and Quay, checking

process,

and

providing

the

Signs, checking Line Markings,

With just a few hours of training,

information captured in a timely,

and recording the Slipway or

the Maritime Enforcement Officers

accessible, and accurate manner,

Quay’s condition. Any maintenance

immediately embraced this solution.

staff may have the information

required is determined by this

Whilst real-time information on

captured on each site inspected at

assessment, with this operation

slipways and quays was captured

their fingertips.

being done on a continual basis.

directly from the field, officers at the Maritime Control Room were immediately accessing this data.

Maritime Enforcement Officers was

The end result provided an efficient

Slipways

A recent implementation to help our

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Peter Paul Barbara Director Office of the Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer Tr a n s p o r t M a l t a

REMEMBERING BLOOD DONOR DAY Give blood and keep the world beating

Like every other past 14th June, Malta, together with the rest of the world, celebrated the World Blood Donor Day. This day serves to raise awareness of the need that people donate blood, for safe blood and blood products, and to thank voluntary blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. Indeed, blood does save lives. To commemorate this day, on Sunday 13th June, President of Malta Dr. George Vella, in a statement published in a press statement, urged people to donate blood.

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World D

134 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

d Blood Donor Day

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In Malta, the commemoration of World Blood Donor Day 2021, took place by lighting up a number of structures, buildings, and monuments with red light. The three Presidential palaces were also lit up for the occasion. Similarly, a number of transportrelated infrastructures, the office of the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, as well as Transport Malta offices were also lit up in red.

The scope of lighting these buildings in red was:

to publicly thank and show appreciation to the thousands of blood donors who give blood on a voluntary and nonremunerated basis. Thanks to them, the National Health Services in Malta and Gozo continued without interruption, even during the pandemic. If this was not the case, patients would have suffered or come to a point of losing their life;

136 ISSUE 03 | T-21 The Transport Malta Quarterly

to encourage existing donors to continue giving blood on a regular basis; and to create more awareness about the constant need for blood donations and encourage healthy people, particularly the youths, to come forward and start giving blood. This year’s slogan, “Give blood and keep the world beating“, highlights the contribution of blood donors to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives.

In his press statement, President Dr.

appreciate more than ever those

“On the day dedicated to blood

George Vella said that “even though

thousands of donors who, despite

donors, I must mention and thank

we have been and are still going

this scenario of turmoil and fear, have

the staff of the National Blood

through a pandemic that has affected

not failed to visit the blood donation

Transfusion Service, who work in

the whole world, the need for blood

centres in Malta and Gozo.”

this department, for the invaluable

and its products has not stopped.”

work they do every day.” He said that Malta has always had a for

good number of donors. “This shows

This past year has not been easy

recognising the good that comes

the big heart of our people who

for anyone, he said. Like the rest

from this gesture and the example

in cases of health and illness are

of their fellow front liners, these

of altruism that is giving to others, he

always ready to help where needed.”

workers offered their services so

Thanking

all

the

donors

acknowledged that the COVID-19

that part of the population could be

virus has brought with it a sense of

He said that blood donation is a

vaccinated against COVID-19 at the

fear as its spread has accelerated

testament to solidarity at the national

Gwardamanġa Centre.

due to the new variants that have

level, and that it sets us apart from

emerged also in our country and

other countries.

despite this, “this year we must

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Gilbert Agius Deputy Chief Officer L a n d Tr a n s p o r t Directorate

LICENCE ARREARS OF VEHICLES, REGULARISATION SCHEME

he Land Transport Directorate within the Authority for Transport in Malta is the regulatory body responsible for the registration and licensing,

garaging, scrapping, and ultimately monitoring of all registered vehicles in Malta, and through this role it is committed to ensure that their owners comply to all the related regulations. These regulations pertain mostly to the timely renewal of road licence and insurance policies, the official garaging or de-registering (scrapping) of all plated and officially-in-use vehicles, and finally the collection of any licence arrears upon such transactions.

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Sometimes, circumstances arise

contraventions - fees are due on the

wherein owners are either unable to

vehicle, all licence arrears to date

follow up the timely payment of their

will be waived, but if a vehicle has

licence, or simply fail to follow the

contraventions - fees, the owner

correct procedure when they have

must pay all licence arrears till such

processing fee for vehicles with

either garaged or scrapped their

date.

8 years and more of licence

vehicles - this may be the result of a number of different factors, however, in any of these situations, Transport

•

Application Form VEH 44;

•

Registration Certificate

€20.00 regularisation

arrears (always subject to no contraventions being due); •

•

€125.00 regularisation processing fee;

The requirements for this option are:

Malta is duly bound to collect arrears in order to close off such processes

•

€10.00 Administration fee for the deregistration process;

in the interest of both its clients and provisions of law.

officially

finalise

any

the vehicle has been unofficially

•

Registration Plates; and

than an authorised treatment

•

Sworn Statement/Affidavit

such

transaction is to have the registered owner fill in the relevant application

signed by a Notary confirming

form and submit it together with

that the vehicle was scrapped

the logbook, number plates, road

and not been used on the road

disc licence (if still valid), and any

since the last licence expiry