MMF proposes ferry service to transport cargo between Malta’s ports

The Malta Maritime Forum (MMF), the local entity representing the maritime industry, has put forward the idea of introducing a Ro-Ro service to transport cargo between Malta’s main ports, in a push towards decarbonisation and a reduction in traffic congestion.

The MMF stated that the service would operate between the Malta Freeport and the Grand Harbour, to the Port of Mġarr in Gozo. Additionally, it also suggested a possible stop-over in the north of Malta.

It clarified that even though precise statistics are not readily available, “from reliable indications the MMF is confident that such a service is both feasible and sustainable whilst alleviating lines of heavy vehicles from main arterial roads particularly in the north of Malta.”

The recommendation was made after Transport Minister on Wednesday announced that there was a surge in the use of ferry services connecting the Cottonera area, Valletta and Sliema during February 2024. The 64.9 per cent increase from the figures from February 2023 was primarily a result of the service becoming free to Tallinja card holders.

The MMF stated that this measure was a “great success” as more people are now travelling across Malta’s ports via the sea as opposed to driving their cars.

It remarked that it has “long been advocating for similar measures” with the aim of increasing the share of waterborne traffic as part of the solution towards decarbonisation and traffic congestion.

The MMF explained that it is frequently discussing possible recommendations with local authorities and its counterparts in Brussels include the European Network of Maritime Clusters (ENMC) and Waterborne Technology Platform (WTP), both of which actively promote a shift in traffic from road to waterborne, “with a view to alleviate congestion and pollution, thereby achieving the objective sof the European Union’s Green Deal Package.”

“The forum embraces a wealth of knowledge and expertise on various maritime issues and specialisations within its membership and is more than willing to elaborate on its ideas as necessary with the competent authorities,” it continued.