Tariffs paid by importers to port operators will be reduced, some quite substantially, following an agreement signed yesterday between the Malta Dockers Union, which represents licensed port workers, and the government.

The agreement, an official statement said, will see the following reductions in port expenses normally paid to port operators (Malta Freeport Terminal and Valletta Gateway Terminal) and to port workers:

• containers imported at Grand Harbour – 20 per cent reduction

• containers imported to Malta Freeport – 20 per cent reduction

• cars – reduction of 28 per cent

• cereals – reduction of 29 per cent

• cement and spalls – reduction of 50 per cent

• steel and wood – reduction of nine per cent

• tar – tariffs are to be abolished

• cars and coaches with passengers – tariffs are to be abolished.

Besides, minimum service levels are being introduced to ensure efficiency in the services provided. A code of discipline has also been agreed to and a change in the regulation of port workers’ licences will ensure that only the number of workers needed for port operations will be present.

The agreement will also regulate the way the Pensions and Contingency Fund will be managed.

In the 12 months the Valletta Gateway Terminal has been operating the Grand Harbour port operation, the statement said, there has been a minimal reduction of tariffs, investment amounting to Lm1 million (EUR2.32m) has been made and there has been a significant improvement in the efficiency of operations.

In the three years since the privatisation of the Malta Freeport, there has been Lm19 million (EUR45m) investment and the creation of 100 new jobs. The Malta Freeport managed a throughput of 1.47 million TEUs last year and its volume is expected to grow by 25 per cent this year.