Malta Maritime Forum expresses concern over suspension of Ras Ħanżir terminal works

The Malta Maritime Forum (MMF) on Friday (today) expressed its concern regarding the recent suspension of construction works on the new terminal at Ras Ħanżir within the Grand Harbour.   

Infrastructure Malta has terminated the contract for the development of a new quay in the Ras Ħanżir area in Kordin due to significant project delays.

When the project was first announced more than four years ago, Infrastructure Malta had stated that it would require an investment of €65 million and was intended to create additional berthing space for ships carrying trailers and general merchandise. The plan also included land reclamation at sea as part of the development.

In a statement, Infrastructure Malta explained on Monday that the contract was terminated because the contractor had failed to meet the expected progress milestones. The agency confirmed that consolidation works will continue in the meantime, until a new competitive tender is issued and awarded.

Infrastructure Malta reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the project, which aims to construct a 360-metre-long quay to enhance the efficiency of loading and unloading merchandise from ships.

Whilst acknowledging that such a suspension would lead to further delays in the commissioning of this critical infrastructure, the MMF “recognizes the opportunity that the situation has presented for a thorough review of the terminal’s design and functionality,” it said in a statement.

The MMF then expressed deep concern over the construction of the new terminal, stating that it was undertaken without any consultation with the industry.

According to the MMF, the lack of engagement with key stakeholders in the local maritime community has led to serious issues, including reports that the terminal will not include a dedicated RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) berth. Instead, the organization has noted that a floating RoRo ramp is being considered, a decision they argue presents significant operational challenges and limitations. The MMF has further pointed out that they only became aware of this critical issue through unofficial sources, emphasizing what they see as a lack of transparency in the planning process.

It also highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated RoRo facility in the Port of Valletta, arguing that current RoRo operations at Laboratory Wharf are causing congestion and inefficiencies. The organization has cited statistical data indicating a steady rise in trailer volumes to and from Malta, which, in their view, makes additional RoRo capacity essential for accommodating larger vessels and increasing traffic. Furthermore, they have stressed that the growing demand for vehicle transshipment at Valletta further reinforces the necessity of expanding RoRo infrastructure.

Given these concerns, the MMF is urging stakeholders to use the current suspension period as an opportunity to engage with industry representatives and reassess the terminal’s structure. They have emphasised that a comprehensive review, conducted in consultation with industry experts, is essential to ensure that the terminal is designed to meet both current and future maritime needs.

The organization has also called on the relevant authorities to collaborate with industry stakeholders to align the terminal’s development with the sector’s and the country’s needs.