The Malta Maritime Authority yesterday published new consolidated rates to be imposed in Grand Harbour and the Malta Freeport as from Tuesday.

In a statement, the MMA said that the rates had been decided upon following consultation with operators of merchandise.

The rates are divided into two – a part that is passed on to the terminal operator and a second part that goes to the port workers and foremen. The total expense for the importation and exportation of merchandise consists of the consolidated tariff together with the service documentation and processing (SDP) fee and the payment to hauliers.

In meetings held by the MMA with the Ship Agents Association, guidelines on the SDP fee and the new port operations were discussed. As a result of the port reform and following discussions, the total expenses for the managing of merchandise in the ports has been reduced, when compared to the average rates as at 30 June.

Grand Harbour

• Importation of 20ft container – Lm132 (Lm133 in June)

• Importation of 40ft container – Lm220 (Lm223 in June)

• Exportation of 20ft container – Lm82 (Lm100 in June)

• Exportation of 40ft container – Lm128 (Lm151 in June)

Malta Freeport

• Importation of 20ft container – Lm130 (Lm137 in June)

• Importation of 40ft container – Lm216 (Lm217 in June)

• Exportation of 20ft container – Lm81 (Lm84 in June)

• Exportation of 40ft container – Lm125 (Lm137 in June)

(All containers discharge full and load empty)

The MMA said that the port reform will continue in the coming weeks, with

discussions with all the stakeholders in a bid to further reduce costs and for work practices to become more efficient. It is expected that these discussions will lead to a reduction in the regulated service provider costs.

Such decreases should result in making the ports more competitive, for the benefit of the industry and of local consumers.