The Association of Tractor and Trailer Operators (ATTO) has warned that persistent congestion, limited parking and clashes with football matches are placing Malta’s supply chain under mounting strain.

ATTO, which represents the industry responsible for keeping Malta supplied with goods, said logistics at the Grand Harbour has now become unsustainable.

“We first wrote to the Ombudsman on 17th February 2025 and his intervention led to some improvements, including a reduction in fines,” said ATTO chairman Joseph Bugeja.

“However, while our members still pay all regulatory and terminal fees, Transport Malta not only is failing to provide the operational support needed for safe and efficient trailer operations but continues to issue fines unfairly.”

ATTO said it has raised concerns with Police and the Malta Football Association over clashes between peak trailer operations on Saturday that coincide with football matches at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.

This forces trailer operators to park trailers on the road leading to the port, which sees them liable to parking fines. ATTO said that Maltese international trailer operators have incurred a total of €36,829 in obstruction fines over the past two years.

“Our members are the ones who link Malta to Mainland Europe daily and who deliver essentials to Malta. Yet they are being unjustly penalised for circumstances entirely beyond their control,” Mr Bugeja warned.

ATTO added that imminent developments, including the new Corradino Sports Complex and Paola’s designation as European Town of Sports 2026, will further strain the already congested infrastructure.

And with upcoming expansions, including a dedicated cargo vessel for the Malta-Gozo route and new ferries connecting the Freeport, Ras Ħanżir, and Mġarr Harbour, ATTO is urging immediate action to create a dedicated layby parking facility for empty trailers exclusively booked for export. 

“We have already run out of space, and soon we will be expected to share this already limited area with even more new operations. And yet, our members continue to be penalised for circumstances beyond their control. Without urgent intervention, congestion and inefficiencies will only get worse. The situation is now unsustainable,” Mr Bugeja said.