An agreement has been reached whereby two cruise liners will be allowed to retain their berths at the Grand Harbour during the 31 March regatta.

The Malta Maritime Forum had requested a meeting with the authorities after Transport Malta told operators to vacate berths normally used by cruise ships at Valletta waterfront and clear the Grand Harbour fairway on March 31. This would have affected two cruise ships that will be berthed in port on the day.

The forum had said that the regatta could take place without the need to move the ships.

In a statement on Thursday, the MMF welcomed the agreement reached between all parties which allows the two cruise liners to retain their berths on Pinto 4 and Pinto 5 on Freedom Day while holding the regatta as planned. 

“This outcome is considered most positive to the maritime industry and all the ancillary providers to the cruise liner sector in Malta.  Indeed, the process of constructive dialogue that ensued after the matter was publicly flagged by the MMF ensures that the country retains its reputation as a reliable hub in the cruise liner circuit,” it said.

The forum said the agreement also safeguards jobs, “invisible exports” for the country’s balance of payments and the legitimate expectations of investors, both local and foreign. 

“Most of all, constructive dialogue in the interest of the common good vindicated the MMF’s claim that the Regatta and cruise ships berthed on Pinto 4 and 5 can, indeed, live side by side.”

The MMF said it appreciated the efforts undertaken by the Chairman & CEO of Transport Malta and the Minister for their personal intervention in the matter.