Malta Freeport Terminals has stepped up its COVID-19 precautions by installing thermal screening on-site, at checkpoints and onboard vessels.

In a social-media update, the operator also said it was regularly fumigating equipment and has stepped up cleaning and sanitisation of its premises.

The shipping industry has been hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, as sea-routes suddenly close off and the import/export of non-essential goods taper off.

Freeports, like any place of work where vigorous activity is taking place, are taking extra precautions to prevent worker from getting sick.

Last week, the company announced it would be providing digital alternatives to the use of the paper documents required to release outgoing Import Full containers.

Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd. was established in 2001 as the single operating company of both Container Terminals and the warehousing facilities. This structure provided a clear distinction between the authority and the operator.