Malta Motorways of the Sea, that was set up in November 2005 and owns a fleet of 12 vessels, plans to build two new vessels for the Malta service by 2009, to specifications that would ensure an even faster service with cabin accommodation and suitable conditions for carrying passengers.
The company has a cooperation agreement with MCAST’s Maritime Institute under which Malta Motorways of the Sea has committed itself to support the training of Maltese cadets in the process of becoming young officers.
Maltese cadets are offered opportunities to undertake their sea-time training on board vessels sailing under the flag of Malta Motorways of the Sea and other companies of the Grimaldi Group. To date 10 Maltese cadets are undergoing or have completed training on Grimaldi vessels.
It was through this close and positive relationship developed with MCAST’s Maritime Institute that Malta Motorways of the Sea has decided to sponsor the upgrading of a modern simulator to support the training of Malta’s maritime human resources.
The donation of E133,000 was presented to Education Minister Louis Galea on behalf of MCAST by Grimaldi Group Naples managing director Emanuele Grimaldi, who is also chairman of Malta Motorways of the Sea – a member of the Grimaldi Group.
Simulation training is an essential part of maritime training, especially as MCAST is to create training opportunities that will lead to employment in a European and international context.
The simulator needs regular upgrading to the latest specifications. Without this upgrading, MCAST Maritime Institute students would not be able to complete their course to the current international standards required. This upgrading project is a positive contribution that will improve the chances of cadets pursuing their career in the maritime sector. The project will focus on having a fully operational Bridge simulator, a Bridge Instructor Station, a “GMDSS” Communications Instructor station and six work stations for trainees.
Dott. Grimaldi said that the Grimaldi Group has had a long-standing commitment to Malta that has been uninterrupted and consistent for more than 50 years and is set to continue for an exciting future.
The Grimaldi Group’s commitment to invest in the Maltese economy has extended beyond the provision of shipping services. The group has spent more than $5.5m on bunkering in Malta and is enthusiastic about using the services of the Malta Shipyards. A review of the Grimaldi Group Naples investment figures for the year reveals that Malta Motorways of the Sea has benefited from more than E80m in investment, representing the Grimaldi Group’s largest investment project for the year.
Dr Galea said the Maritime Institute has grown considerably and constantly over the years, with the number of full-time students increasing from 15 in 2001 to over 60 this academic year. Part-time courses have also seen steady growth, with student numbers growing from 600 in 2001 to 1,000 this scholastic year.
He said that the MCAST Institute offers seven full-time courses and 42 part-time courses and is using Villa Portelli in Kalkara, a satellite campus of MCAST. The college administration is now considering the inclusion of the Maritime Institute within the grounds of the Corradino Campus.