Motorways of the Sea Ltd (MMOS) yesterday signed a three-year collaboration agreement worth E40,000 with the Federation of Industries (FOI).

The agreement was signed by MMOS managing director Ernest Sullivan and FOI president Adrian Bajada at the federation’s premises in Floriana.

Mr Bajada said that the agreement is of a greater significance than providing financial support to the federation. This agreement lends a higher value to the FOI’s members. He said also that for the last few months, both parties discussed the changes that were bound to take place given the commencement of operations of the company, and their impact on the federation’s members.

Mr Sullivan said that the agreement is not a simple sponsorship but a partnership agreement. It is very important that the Maltese market understands that MMOS is conscious of the company’s sensitivity to the industry. This was underlined by the technical meetings held between all members of FOI.

MMOS, since starting operations last December, has improved its services with a vision towards the viability and demands of the local industry. Mr Sullivan said also that this is a starting point, towards a better and more efficient service. He underlined that since MMOS replaced Sea Malta, the frequency of trips doubled and larger and faster ships are now used.

MMOS general manager Joe Bugeja described how routes were doubled with a view to better service the needs of the Maltese community and by calling more ports along the Malta-Genoa route, the company can also ship goods between Italian ports, thus expanding its operations. He also emphasised the new benefits that Maltese exporters can enjoy through Grimaldi’s extended networks to ports in West Africa, South America and Europe.

FOI director general Wilfred Kenely said that efficient transhipment is of great importance since Malta is an island and local industry is moving towards the concept of “just in time” production.

Mr Sullivan concluded that the sponsorship agreement “is a clear indication of the commitment the Grimaldi Group is pledging to support the Maltese business community and to play an active role in the economic development of our country.”