Container transhipment services in the Malta Freeport : past and future trends

Abstract

About 25 years ago the government started planning to transform part of Marsaxlokk Harbour a free trade centre but the project was not pursued until later on. The Malta Freeport Corporation commenced its operations in 1981, as a totally government owned company. The aim of this corporation is that of becoming a premier hub in the Mediterranean.. Malta's geographical position is a very important element in the Malta Freeport's success, in fact, Malta' strategic importance has always been a vital clement to the Maltese economy, in years before air travel and air power found it's place in the world order. The Malta Freeport Corporation is divided into six parts, with the Malta Freeport Corporation being the sole authority. These subsidiaries being: Coastal Management Limited, Freeport Industrial Storage Limited, Freeport Investment Limited, Freeport Terminal (Malta) Limited and Oil Tanking (Malta) Limited. However, the main concern of this dissertation is transhipment activity at the port of Marsaxlokk.