Grimaldi Group has introduced three new shipping line services between Malta and Catania, Genoa and Civitavecchia, a venture that has been described as a great opportunity for the Maltese economy, particularly at a time of global financial and economic recession.

Earlier last month, Grimaldi announced nine new motorways of the sea services, putting Malta at the forefront of its project, with three new “low-cost” passenger services to and from Grand Harbour.

Grimaldi now offers both a passenger and cargo service between Malta and Genoa (36 hours of sailing time), and Malta and Civitavecchia (26 hours of sailing time) on a weekly basis, and it has also introduced two new weekly passenger services between Malta and Catania (six hours of sailing time).

The Ro/Ro cargo services between Malta and Catania will continue to operate four times weekly.

Grimaldi launched the new Malta services yesterday at a press conference on board the mv Catania, one of the Visentini type vessels that will be used to operate the new routes.

The vessels can carry up to 834 passengers, 170 cars and 172 commercial trucks and trailers, and have 93 cabins.

As for the Ro/Ro cargo services, modern Eurocargo type Ro/Ro vessels will be used, each with a carrying capacity of 400+ cars and 170 trucks and trailers. These vessels also offer cabin facilities for 50 drivers.

The Italian ambassador to Malta, Paolo Andrea Trabalza said during yesterday’s press conference that the new services provided good opportunities for businesses operating between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

The new Malta routes are also linked to Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean via Catania, in turn linked to Greek cities Igoumenitsa and Patras by means of a once-weekly service.

Guido Grimaldi from Grimaldi Group said the company also provides opportunities for cadets wishing to train in the shipping industry.

Malta Maritime Authority chairman Marc Portelli highlighted the fact that Grimaldi’s venture is a great opportunity for Malta.

He said sea traffic at Grand Harbour increased by 30 per cent between 2007 and 2008. At Malta Freeport, sea traffic increased by 20 per cent.

More information on Grimaldi’s new services can be obtained from www.grimaldi-lines.it or from www. sullivanmaritime.com.mt. Sullivan Maritime are the local representatives of Grimaldi Group.