Six Freeport  workers were taken to hospital for treatment after inhaling gas at Malta Freeport, a statement said.

At approximately 5.15pm today Oiltanking Malta (OTM) received notification from Malta Freeport Duty Manager that there was the presence of a gas-like odour on Terminal 2 North Quay. Given the prevailing wind direction (ESE) one could deduce that the source was from the vessel loading operation (normal operation) at Jetty 3, a statement issued by Freeport CEO Aaron Farrugia said.

OTM immediately took corrective action by reducing the loading rate for the said vessel and dispatching personnel to evaluate the odour complaint levels. OTM personnel confirmed a slight odour presence. This was also corroborated by the attending Malta Freeport Corporation Duty Manager and later on by the CPD Hazmat unit. All officials in attendance agreed that although there was a minimal odour presence, this was not sufficient to be of any significant health risk to the general public, the statement said.
  
As a precautionary measure Malta Freeport Terminals nurse Jesmond Micallef decided to refer six Malta Freeport Terminals workers who were complaining of headache, nausea and heart burn for further checks at Mater Dei Hospital.