Gabriel Schembri

Shipping company Wilhelmsen Group has officially inaugurated its offices in Malta.

In a launch held on Tuesday at their new premises at the Valletta Waterfront, Bjorn Havnes spoke about the 155-year-old company that employs more than 28,000 around the globe.

He explained that the shipping company has more than 330 offices in several parts of the world but proudly said that the one in Malta is his personal favourite, mentioning the magnificent views of the sea, the Grand Harbour and the bastions.

Negotiations were difficult but the company found all necessary help from the Government, the Malta Cruise Port and Transport Malta.

"Although here in Malta, tomorrow doesn't always in reality mean tomorrow, we managed to conclude the project and we are proud to sit in one of the most beautiful locations on the Island", he added.

The design of the offices was in the hands of Mark Sullivan.

The Wilhelmsen family business is currently in its fifth generation and Mr Wilhelm Wilhelmsen, who spoke during the inauguration, is one of the fourth generation era.

He referred to the rich company history and the relations it has with Malta. This relationship dates back to the times of the Second World War, with the HMS Talbot.

The company has eleven ships operating under Maltese flag. Five more ships are expected to join this coming year.

Wilhelmsen has some 140 vessels operating in the world, and together they carry almost 23% of the global shipping cargo.

Valletta Cruise Port Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Xuereb said the works on this project started 18 months ago. He said he wished the site to be developed as a maritime hub.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca also attended the inauguration and thanked the company for trusting in Malta and the Maltese people.

Mr Wilhelmsen also presented a €10,000 donation to L-Istrina.