Shipping rates applied by ferry lines which operate to and from Malta have risen in both 2021 and 2022, the Association of Tractors and Trailers Organization (ATTO), said.

It was reacting to the comments expressed by Labour MP Carmelo Abela in Parliament a few days ago on the need to cut the shipping costs for Maltese Exporters and Importers.

ATTO said it a statement it agreed with the MP that ocean rates, especially from the Atlantic and the Pacific, have been drastically reduced when compared to those in 2021. However, the rates applied by the ferry lines which operate to/from Malta have increased in 2021 and in 2022. ATTO has vigorously tackled this issue with these ferry lines, but these efforts have been futile. ATTO has reiterated the point that the increase was too high for the Maltese exporter/importer to carry.  

Besides having to cope with the additional costs and the inherent disruption in working schedules, due to the new Mobility Package Regulation imposed at EU level, ATTO members, who are the operators of trailers carrying the goods from/to Malta on the European roads, are also facing the increase in the price of diesel all over Europe.

These are additional factors which the Hon Member should also take into consideration. It is worthwhile to point out that approx. 60% of our foreign business trade in Malta is done with European countries, the majority of which is transported by the trailers of Maltese companies who are offering job opportunities to the Maltese and Gozitan families and who are directly assisting the entire Maltese economy, ATTO said.