Malta, is a country located in the Central Mediterranean. This means, it is a maritime crossroad.
Therefore, if you are planning to use sea freight to Malta, it is important to know the exact port you will use. The best part, in this article explores all ports known for cargo handling.
Busiest Ports in Malta
1. Port of Valletta (Grand Harbour)
- Port Location: Valletta, Malta
- Malta Port Code: MTVLT
- Yearly Handling Capacity of Port: Capable of handling about 8 million tons of cargo
- Port Management: Valletta Cruise Port & Malta Maritime Authority
Port of Valletta represents one of the oldest ports in Malta. This Malta port is located strategically in deep-waters within the Mediterranean. Furthermore, it handles general cargo, containers, and ro-ro services.
Again, it has exceptional facilities like cruise terminals and warehouses. These facilities serve as the gateway for exports, imports, and national tourism.
2. Malta Freeport (Port of Marsaxlokk)
- Port Location: Marsaxlokk, Malta
- Malta Port Code: MTMAR
- Yearly Handling Capacity of Port: Approximately 3 million TEUs
- Port Management: Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd
This main hub for transshipment is one of the top Malta seaport for container handling in the Mediterranean. Equipped with modern facilities like cranes and deep-water berths, it focuses on large container vessels.
This means, it is a valuable Malta port vessel which connects to Africa, Europe and Asia perfectly.
3. Port of Marsamxett
- Port Location: Velletta, Malta
- Malta Port Code: MTMARX
- Yearly Handling Capacity of Port: Mainly handles small cargo and leisure vessels.
- Port Management: Transport Malta
Marsamxett mainly focuses on leisure yachts, boating, and passenger ferries. Furthermore, it handles small-cargo operations even as it stands in as a backup to the Grand Harbor.
4. Oil Tanking Malta
- Port Location: Marsaxlokk, Malta
- Malta Port Code: MTOIL
- Yearly Handling Capacity of Port: Ideal for handling 2.5 million tons of cargo mainly in bulk liquids.
- Port Management: Oil Tanking Malta Limited
Oil Tanking Malta specializes in petroleum and oil products. Again, it has extensive storage facilities, berths for tankers, and pipelines.
This makes it a major player in Malta’s energy industry and a major Malta seaport.
5. Kordin Grain Terminal
- Port Location: Marsa, Malta
- Malta Port Code: BTKGT
- Yearly Handling Capacity of Port: About 300,000 tons of cargo
- Port Management: Malta Maritime Authority or Malta Port Authority
Kordin Grain Terminal is specialized to handling grain export and import. This Malta seaport offers bulk-handling equipment and silos for the best operations.
Less Busy Ports in Malta
· Port of Cirkewwa
Cirkewwa seaport links Malta to Gozo. You can achieve this through ferry services. It is a port know for vehicle and passenger transportation.
· Port of Mgarr (Gozo)
Being the main Malta port for Gozo, the Port of Mgarr handles small-scale cargo and passenger ferries for the island.
· Port of Marsascala
Provides support to the many fishing activities and limited cargo operations in the region. Additionally, it services the local industries.
· Port of Birzebbuga
Ideally a fishing port, the port of Birzebbuga has facilities for local cargo handling and leisure boating. All these helps to promote tourism to a larger extent.
· Port of Vittoriosa (Birgu)
Port of Vittoriosa supports the small-scale tourism and yachting industry with historical importance as the maritime center has.
· Port of Senglea (Isla)
With the Port of Senglea, it has a reputation for its marina. Also, it serves local fishing boats and yachts within the Grand Harbor region.
· Port of Kalkara
Although the port of Kalkara is a small Malta port or small marina, it caters to local fishing and leisure vessels perfectly.
· Port of Sliema
Primary for ferry connections and tourism-related activities, like yacht charters.
· Port of St. Julian’s
Port of St. Julian’s is the center for small-scale fishing and leisure boating activities. Again, it supports greatly the tourism and local trading industries.
· Port of St. Paul’s Bay
Main port for tourism and fishing. Again, it has unique docking facilities for small vessels.
· Port of Bugibba
Another port that mainly supports tourism with boat tours to nearby islands is the Port of Bugibba.
· Port of Mellieha
Yes, the port of Mellieha is a small port. However, it serves local tourism needs of the people and also tourists. Furthermore, it serves leisure boats too.
· Port of Xlendi (Gozo)
With its scenic environment, the Port of Xlendi caters to fishing boats, again, it caters to tourism activities on Gozo.
· Port of Comino
The Port of Comino handles limited ferry and tourist operations, mainly for tourists and visitors to the Blue Lagoon.
· Port of Ta’ Xbiex
Port of Ta’ Xbiex is a marina that caters to yachts. Furthermore, it has facilities for international leisure boats.
· Port of Wiedil-Ghajn
Where serving local businesses are concerned, the Port of Wiedil-Ghajn stands out. The port supports small-scale cargo and fishing operations to a large level.
· Port of Gnejna Bay
Gnejna Bay port is mainly used by the local fishermen for fish export. However, the port also has facilities for leisure boating.
· Port of Qawra
Is a small port, but caters to local fishing activities, as well as tourist boats.
· Port of Marfa
Aids specifically ferry connections to Gozo and Comino, along with fishing operations.
· Port of Armier Bay
The port of Armier Bay is more focused on the fishing and leisure boating services in its picturesque environment.
Conclusion
Although there are many ports in Malta, only five remain the busiest. However, others mainly support small logistics within Malta.
But more importantly, as you plan for any logistics operations, you must choose a convenient and reliable port in Malta.
At Bansar, we are the leading freight forwarder from China to Malta. For any shipping or logistics operation – talk to our team now.
More resources:
Freight Forwarders in Malta – Source: BANSAR
Malt Free Port Corporation – Source: MALTA FREEPORT
