About Malta Freeport Corporation Limited

About Malta Freeport Corporation

Malta Freeport Corporation Ltd is the national authority responsible for overseeing, promoting, and developing Malta’s Freeport area. Since its establishment, the Corporation has played a pivotal role in transforming Malta into one of the Mediterranean’s key maritime hubs, contributing to national growth through trade, logistics, and sustainable development.

Our Role: Landlord and Regulator

Malta Freeport Corporation acts as both landlord and regulator of the Freeport area. While we own and manage the Freeport’s land and infrastructure, terminal operations are conducted by private operators under long-term concession agreements.

This model combines public stewardship with private sector expertise, ensuring that Freeport operations serve the national interest, comply with international standards, and embrace sustainable development practices

Our Core Values

Efficiency— Delivering results through effective processes
Innovation— Embracing forward-looking strategies
Sustainability— Committing to environmentally responsible practices
Integrity— Acting with transparency and fairness
Community— Working for the benefit of society and future generations

Our Mission

To support and regulate Malta’s Freeport activities in a manner that fosters economic growth, operational excellence, and environmental sustainability.

Our Vision

We strive to regulate efficiently and effectively, and we aim to continue to support both our direct and indirect stakeholders for our achievement to permeate at all levels of our society.

Our Role

Regulatory Oversight

Malta Freeport Corporation is the governmental body entrusted with the regulation, oversight, and strategic development of the Malta Freeport.
As one of the leading maritime transhipment hubs in the Mediterranean, the Malta Freeport plays a crucial role in global trade, and the Corporation ensures that its operations are aligned with national and international standards.

Security

The Corporation is also tasked with ensuring the security of the Freeport in accordance with the Malta Freeports Act (Chapter 334 of the Laws of Malta).This involves collaborating with various stakeholders to maintain a secure operational environment that supports the Freeport’s activities while adhering to legal and safety standards.

Strategic Development

We are responsible for steering the strategic direction of Malta Freeport, focusing on the expansion and modernization of its infrastructure to meet the growing demands of global trade and Malta’s continued economic growth. Our efforts are aimed at enhancing the port’s competitive position in the Mediterranean and on the global stage.

Message from The CEO

The Malta Freeport Authority’s major responsibility is to administer the affairs of the Freeport with a view to fostering the economic development of Malta by encouraging the fulfilment of industrial and economic enterprises therein. This is in accordance with the enabling law by virtue of which the Authority was constituted. We have a mission to maintain harmony between the stakeholders that operate within the zone and to ensure that licenses granted to the operators are adhered according to Terms and Conditions of the Freeports Act.

Apart from the stakeholders that operate within the Freeport zone, the Authority maintains regular contact with the Birzebbugia Local Council and the local NGO’s; we believe that the time is ripe for Birzebbuga to be given something back after years of development within the Freeport zone and hence, together with the Malta Freeport Terminals and Projects Plus we have embarked on a project from which the locality and its residents will benefit.

Recognition must be given to the employees for the dedication in their role especially the Security Team who work hand in hand with the Customs Department to maintain high levels of security in this strategic zone of our islands. Last year over 2,200 ships called within the Freeport and a total of 3.31 million TEU’s (twenty foot equivalent units) were handled by MFTL. An average of 350 containers per day passed through the main gate. Various projects commenced this year. With the view of having all employees on board in our continuous efforts, the Collective Agreement was concluded during May 2018 and working conditions and wages were improved. Another project that we have embarked on is the re-branding of the Authority. This project will be finalised by end 2019.

It is clear that it is only by means of a pro-active approach and tireless efforts that we can prevent illegal and abusive activities and, with this aim, the Malta Freeport Authority is continuously training the Security team and providing them with new and cutting edge technological equipment in order to empower them to reach these goals.

David Magro – Chief Executive Officer

Message from The Chairman

On behalf of the directors of the Malta Freeport Corporation I would like to welcome you to our official website. I hope that it serves as a window of information about the Malta Freeport Corporation and the Maltese Freeport.
The Malta Freeport Corporation is a public authority established by means of an Act of the Maltese Parliament which has been enshrined and forms part of the laws of Malta. The initial vision behind this authority was for it to serve as an administrator of all affairs occuring in the Freeport zones found in the territory of Malta. However throughout the years, owing to the commitment shown by previous administrations and the civil servants who have served throughout the years, the authority has developed a vision which goes beyond the role of a regulator and has evolved into a key player in the economic growth within the Freeport zones and beyond.
Whilst serving its regulatory functions of granting licences to all eligible operators and maintaining a level of security which a Freeport in one of the Member States of the European Union is expected to adhere to, the Malta Freeport Corporation has furthermore sought to benefit from the geographical position which the Maltese Islands offer in the heart of the MediterraneanSea. To this end it has recently joined the MedPorts Association which will provide the Authority with another avenue of operational cooperation with the ports found in the Mediterranean.
On a local level I am pleased to announce that as part of the Authority’s Corporate Social Responsibility and also as a vision for the future, we are embarking on a number of projects which are aimed at ameliorating the area surrounding the Freeport, particularly the locality of Birzebbugia.
I am confident that the current administration and all the staff of the Malta Freeport Corporation are the right people to implement the vision which the Board of Directors has adopted and will continue to strengthen the reputation that the Authority currently holds.
I trust that you will enjoy navigating through our site, however should it not answer all of your questions, we look forward to hearing from you.
Robert Sarsero – Chairman

Stake Holders

MedservRegis Plc

MedservRegis Plc is headquartered within the Malta Freeport, which houses both the Group’s corporate offices and its Malta operations.

MedservRegis provides integrated logistical and operational support across through three strategically positioned sub-locations: the Yard, the Marine Base, and the Quayside. These sites are equipped to handle a wide range of offshore and onshore energy activities, including tubular handling, equipment maintenance, storage, staging, and loadout services.

As a key hub within the wider MedservRegis Group, the Malta base benefits from the Group’s presence in 16 countries across the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Africa, and South America. This international footprint enablies seamless regional support and cross-border service integration.

Listed on the Malta Stock Exchange, MedservRegis Plc serves leading international oilfield service providers and energy operators. These long-standing relationships reflect the Group’s ability to deliver reliable, scalable, and safety-focused support solutions tailored to the energy sector’s evolving demands.

Operations across all sites are governed by internationally recognized standards. These frameworks ensure strict compliance and consistent performance in quality, safety, security and environmental management.

As a part of its commitment to the Energy transition, MedservRegis actively supports the shift to sustainable power. Its offices and warehouses in the Freeport are covered by one of Malta’s largest Solar farms, with a generation capacity of up to 2MW.

Above all, the company’s strength lies in its people. The MedservRegis team is made up of highly skilled professionals who embody a strong culture of teamwork, safety, and service excellence.

Corporate

Medports Association

On 27th June, 2018 Malta Freeport Authority attended the first General Assembly of the MEDPorts Association as a founder member at the Port of Marseille, France. The Association is a league uniting twenty port authorities from ten different countries around the Mediterranean. The objectives of MEDPorts include, improving efficiency, sustainability, competitiveness in the region and to study problems relating to port activities and the Maritime Sector in general with a view to establishing worldwide recognition. The twenty founding members are: Algeciras, Arzew, Barcelona, Bastia, Bejaia, Beirut, Civitavecchia, Damietta, Luka Koper, Malta Freeport, Marseilles Fos, the Office of the Merchant Navy and ports that brings together the Tunisian ports, ports de l’Estado, Skikda, Tangier Med, Serport (which groups the Algerian ports), Tarragona, Toulon, Valencia and Venice. These will in the coming weeks be joined by the Moroccan National Port Agency, Alexandria, Durres and Thessaloniki. MEDPorts members collectively account for the handling of 70% of the total tonnage passing through the Mediterranean and more than 50% of the container traffic. Various committees have been set up to make the work of the Association more effective. Malta Freeport Corporation has been appointed to chair the Executive Committee responsible for Statistics and Market Analysis and also sits on the Sustainability Committee.

For more information please visit https://medports.org/

EOPSA

European Onshore Power Supply Association

On 8th November 2024, Malta Freeport Corporation officially joined the European Onshore Power Supply Association (EOPSA), marking a significant milestone in advancing Europe’s commitment to greener shipping and cleaner shores. This milestone was celebrated during the Shore to Ship Leadership Conference, held for the first time in Malta on 7th and 8th November 2024.

The two-day international event began at Valletta Grand Harbour and concluded at Malta Freeport. It gathered global leaders, industry experts,policymakers, and innovators to address the leadership challenges of decarbonizing the maritime sector and shaping the future of sustainable shipping.

A key highlight of the event’s final day was the announcement of EOPSA’s expansion, as Malta Freeport Corporation and Maritime MT officially joined the
association. This collaboration represents an important step toward a more sustainable maritime industry, reinforcing Malta’s role in supporting the transition to cleaner energy in European ports.

Board of Directors

The Malta Freeport Corporation Board of Directors

Chairperson – Perit Robert Sarsero

Deputy Chairperson – Mr. Karmenu Briffa

Directors – Mr. Ramon Deguara, Dr. Priscilla Muscat, Ms. Claire Azzopardi, Mr. Aleander Balzan, Ms. Margaret Camilleri, Mr. Mark Aquilina, Mr. Charles Giordimaina, and Ms. Claudette Abela Baldacchino

Board Secretary – Ms. Jolene Flask.

History

Marsaxlokk harbour had been identified in the 1960’s as a potential major harbour in view of the lack of hinterland space at The Grand Harbour. Construction and land reclamation commenced in the late 1970’s. The Breakwater and Terminal 1 were funded by funds deriving from Saudi Arabia and Italy whilst the Republic People of China provided technical support for the building of the Breakwater. Works on the Breakwater commenced in the early 1980’s The function of the Malta Freeport Corporation, as contemplated in the Malta Freeports Act was, when set up originally in 1989, to act as the authority, the developer and the operator of the Freeport. Since the privatisation of the container terminals in 2004, the role of the Authority is:

- Regulator in terms of the Malta Freeports Act and responsible to ensure that all Freeport users with the provisions of the Act and Licence agreements
- Provider of security services to Freeport users
- Surveillance and management of the Customs Free Zone and Free Warehouses as from 1st May 2004
- Media for the service and repayment of all bank loans and bonds procured throughout the years for the developments of the area into a commercial container transhipment hub port and storage free zone.

The facilities available and the activities currently carried out at Malta Freeport are:

- Two container Terminals, operated by Malta Freeport Terminals Ltd for the transhipment of containers.
- An oil products terminal, operated by Oil tanking Malta Ltd.
- A logistics base for offshore oil & gas industry, operated by Medserv plc.
- Warehousing and re-distribution services are carried out by a number of different tenants.

Legal

Malta Freeports Act

For the full version of the Malta Freeports Act, click here.

What is the role of Malta Freeport Corporation Ltd?

Malta Freeport Corporation is the Authority responsible for the administration, act as the regulator and issue licences of the Freeport. MFC plays an active role in maintaining harmony between the stakeholders operating in the Freeport and act as a pivotal player towards minimizing bureaucracy in port operations.

How is Malta Freeport Corporation Ltd governed?

Malta Freeport Corporation falls under the responsibility of the Ministry for the Economy, European Funds and Lands. In 1989 The Malta Freeports Act was drafted with special attention given to Malta’s application to join the European Union and is in full conformity with EU regulations. Reference can be made to the Malta Freeports Act 1989.

What is Bunkering ?

Bunkering is the supp ing of fuel for use by ships, and includes the shipboard logistics of loading fuel and distributing it among available bunker tanks. Bunkering Charges can be found here.

What is Berthing ?

The vessel waits on anchor in a berthing area in Maltese Territorial Waters, then vessel proceeds to Malta Freeport Terminals, Oil tanking Malta or Medserv Quay according to their respective operations. Berthing tariff for entering the Port click here. Berthing Charges can be found here.

Where can I get my Pass?

To access the Malta Freeport Zone with or without a motor vehicle, one must obtain Authorisation and must strictly comply with safety and environmental rules. To apply, please contact Security Office at the Gate on security.gate@maltafreeport.com.mt
or call on +356 22251604. Access will be granted only to persons having a legitimate reason to enter the Freeport Terminal Zone, reporting to our Security Officials.

How can I renew my Operational License?

The User License Fee is an Operational License which is paid yearly in advance to continue operations within the Malta Freeport Zone.