Malta Freeport Terminals has welcomed the first ever LNG-powered container ship to visit Malta during the vessel's maiden voyage from Asia to Rotterdam. Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi, whose portfolio includes the Freeport Authority, visited the ship to mark this special event.

The MV Containerships Polar, operated by a subsidiary of leading shipping line CMA CGM and the second in a series of four LNG-fuelled vessels put into service by the company, discharged over 560 containers during its call to Malta.

The use of LNG is fast gaining attention as it will reduce sulphur oxide emissions by 90 to 95% as well as reduce costs.

Malta Freeport Terminals CEO Alex Montebello said: "Malta Freeport is fully committed to the environment and supports initiatives by CMA CGM, one of our shareholders, to reduce the carbon footprint of its vessels. 

"The Group has been a pioneer in environmental protection. It is taking delivery of 20 vessels powered by LNG and nine of these will be among the largest afloat carrying 22,000 TEU containers."

Dr Mizzi said:  "Ever since I was entrusted to take under my responsibility the Malta Freeport, together with the entities and stakeholders involved, we have created several initiatives to improve our environment and the standard of living of the people of Birzebbuga.

"By attracting to our country container vessels of this type, we are moving a step ahead towards cleaner seas and a better environment.  This complements other initiatives such as the regeneration of the promenade, afforestation in the Benghajsa area, the recreational park and multi-storey carpark on which works will start shortly, sound-friendly cranes, a double-glazing scheme and several opportunities that we will be proposing and implementing in the best interests of the people living in the vicinity."

Last week, Malta Freeport announced a new service between the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the US, showing its ambition to consolidate its status as one of the most efficient and agile ports in the Mediterranean region.

Malta Freeport has also invested €31m over the past year in 15 Kone Rubber-Tyred Gantry Cranes, which are safer and faster to operate, as well as in other yard equipment including 67 new tractors and trailers.

The Freeport currently provides network links to 115 ports around the world, 59 of which are in the Mediterranean.