The history of Malta is intimately tied up with the history of the Grand Harbour and as it was developed and modernized during the ages. The Harbour is lined up with fortifications of massive construction built by the Knights of St. John which overlook quays serving cruise liners, yachts and commercials vessels.
There are twenty primary berthing facilities to cater for various ship types, lengths and draughts
Nowadays cruise liners berth at the historic Valletta Waterfront facility where the new passenger terminal was constructed.
Berths are available on the Cottonera Waterfront marina operated by the Grand Harbour Marina Limited. Refits and repairs can be carried out at several private facilities of high professional reputation such as the Polumbo MSY, Cassar Ship Repairs and Bezzina Ship Repair Ltd.
Valletta Gateway Terminals operate and manage the 2 cargo Terminals which handle roro, container and conventional cargo.
The Kordin Grain Terminal provides facilities for the handling, storage and transhipment of all types of free flowing grains at the Magazine Wharves.
The Maltese Islands have an old tradition in trading and transhipment with its facilities dating back to the times of the Phoenicians as early as 3,700B.C. Through the establishment of the Malta Freeport within the Port of Marsaxlokk, Malta has reaffirmed itself as a major maritime transhipment centre in the Mediterranean region.
Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd is active in the fields of container handling and industrial storage. International carriers in the container industry have been attracted by MFTL’s geographical location, proven track record and state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated to transshipment and cost-effective operations.
EVOS Malta Ltd (previously Oil Tanking Malta) is another activity within the Port of Marsaxlokk offering from its centrally located Mediterranean facility excellent, advantageous and cost effective oil storage, making and breaking bulk, blending and treatments.
There is a dedicated logistical support base from the port of Marsaxlokk. It has served as the most significant offshore base for the central Mediterranean area, and remains the focal point for major oil and gas companies, drilling contractors and service companies operating offshore North Africa particularly Libya.
Palumbo Shipyard provides a substantial range of products to the general maritime, shiprepair, offshore, energy and conversion sectors from its facilities considered to be one of the largest in the Mediterranean. With a shipyard area of 270,00 m2 it contains six graving docks (ranging from 362m to 98m and corresponding breaths of 62m and 35m respectively) and one 420T travel lift.
Another privately owned and run site provide single-site, operations and supply chain support base. With a total site area of 165,000 m2 containing 1,200 linear metres of quayside and two travel lifts (300T and 700T).
Other private facilities include repair facilities each of which have varying sizes of floating docks
