Malta Freeport Terminals recently welcomed a distinguished guest in the form of President George Vella, who met staff and viewed the Freeport’s facilities, it has detailed.

The President praised the Freeport for the "fundamental" service it provides, “which was more evident than ever during the COVID pandemic since it handles 85 per cent of Malta’s imported goods.”

Freeport CEO Alex Montebello highlighted the facility’s contribution to Malta’s economy, reportedly bringing in over €170 million, or two per cent of GDP while servicing 110 ports worldwide, including 55 in the Mediterranean.

Additionally, he celebrated that the Freeport was recently selected as a port of call on the prestigious French Asia Line Service (FAL 1), which is a weekly service operated by the world’s largest 23,000 TEU container ships.

This line has fully embraced LNG powered vessels which emit up to 20 per cent less CO2 when compared with conventional fuel-powered systems, said Mr Montebello.

The Freeport is also said to be fully committed to minimising the impact of its facility’s operations and is taking positive steps in this regard.

Mr Montebello also thanked the Freeport’s shareholders: Terminal Link – made up of CMA CGM and China Merchants Port Holdings Company - and Yilport Holding Inc for their vision and support.