Work on the Freeport’s shore-to-ship project has commenced
The Freeport’s shore-to-ship project, which is a project designed to ensure that this commercial port keeps working in its best possible manner, will contribute to better look after the environment while reducing inconvenience for people within its vicinity, Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said.
Digging works for gullies have begun and pipes that will provide cable passages to supply the ships’ electrical currents are already being placed.
This project which is estimated to cost around €12m, will be financed through European funding and is expected to be completed by 2025. The two terminals, as well as the South Quays of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, will be designed in a way for ships to be able to connect to the local electrical grid after switching off their engines and docking.
This means that while cleaner air should be ensured, there should also be less inconvenience for nearby residents through the lessened noise pollution.
“This is another promised government project that will have various benefits,” Minister Schembri said. The minister said that these benefits shall primarily be environmental since ships’ emissions are predicted to drastically lessen around the surrounding areas of Birzebbuga Bay. The Lands Minister also referenced the elimination of noise pollution from docked ships that are being worked on at the Freeport.
Minister Schembri also discussed the squaring off project at the Freeport. Through an investment close to €104m that shall expand the Freeport for the first time in 20 years to provide an additional 30,000m2 worth of land, an added guarantee should be placed on providing solid facilities to new ships working with LNG. Furthermore, the Freeport can host these ships further away from the nearby residential zone.
Additional works for this squaring off include extending the north pier located in Terminal 2 by 176 metres and the western pier by 195 metres. The intention is to move docked ships further away from residential areas while also shifting cranes away from its west quay terminal one. David Magro, CEO of the Malta Freeport Corporation, said that the OPS project has begun and is already moving at a good pace.