In recent months, the Naples-based Grimaldi Group says it has proceeded to significantly strengthen its presence in Malta through various initiatives, showing its full commitment to promoting the country’s maritime vocation.
Following the effects of Brexit, Atlantic Container Line (ACL), a Grimaldi Group company, has proceeded to reflag its fleet in the last six months, leaving the Union Jack and opting for the Malta flag.
A total of nine vessels of ACL are currently under the Maltese flag while another one is due to be added in the next few months.
ACL offers a liner service between various North European and North American ports for the transport of rolling units and containers.
Additionally, Grimaldi says one of its companies, Malta Motorways of the Sea Ltd (MMOS) has recently strengthened its fleet with the purchase of two additional vessels. Currently, Valletta-based MMOS has a fleet of six modern vessels and operates various regular maritime services in the Mediterranean.
Particularly, MMOS runs, in cooperation with the Grimaldi Group, a regular service between mainland Italy (Genoa, Livorno, Salerno and Catania) and Malta, under a Public Service Obligation contract with the Maltese Government.
With a view of promoting maritime education in Malta, MMOS has a permanent cooperation agreement with MCAST - Maritime Institute for the training of sea cadets on board its vessels. Hundreds of young Maltese cadets have received training so far, many of whom have also been hired by Grimaldi Group companies.
Finally, over the course of April, the Grimaldi Group will further strengthen the maritime connections it offers between Italy (Genoa, Livorno, Catania) and Malta.
“We are very proud to contribute to strengthening our long affiliation with the Maltese Islands, its people and its industry”, states Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group and Vice-President of the Malta International Shipping Council.
“Having been present for over half a century in Malta is a demonstration of our commitment to the wellbeing of this nation whom we intend to serve with increasingly modern and eco-friendly vessels”, he concludes.
