Government to develop ‘freight integrators’

The government will look to develop ‘freight integrators’ as part of its plans to transform Malta into a logistics hub, parliamentary secretary for competitiveness Jose Herrera said.
The EU has defined freight integrators as transport service providers who arrange full-load and door-to-door transportation through the most sustainable and efficient mode(s) of transportation.
“A number of barriers need to be overcome such as infrastructure problems, lack of information and qualifications, empty return freight, reliable intermodal transport, difficulties in concerning liability and documentation, skill and technology gaps,” Herrera told the 2014 Translog award ceremony for transport and logistics leaders.
He added that maritime logistics plays a crucial role in the government’s planned maritime policy.
“Maritime logistics constitutes the lion’s share of the logistics activities in Malta,” Herrera said. “Through this policy, we are setting out on a direction that will enable sustainable economic growth in the coming years.”

He said that the development of freight integrators is one of the government’s five objectives to transform Malta into a ‘logistics hub’. Other objectives include the development of frequent and reliable short sea shipping links, the creation of well-connected ‘free zones’, the reduction in administrative barriers, and the international promotion of Malta with the aim of attracting foreign direct investment.

The government is currently reviewing legislation with a view to improving the Freeport Act, in line with the Union of Customs Codes adopted 12 months ago by the European Union. This review is aimed at developing Free Zone as against the one area designated in the Freeport Act.

“This review will cover the airport utilization to promote intermodal transport link options,” Herrera said. “This is particularly of interest for e-commerce logistics development and high value goods.”
“We are the third largest Freeport operation in the Mediterranean region but more is required to be a global or even regional logistics hub. The focus is on increase in added value. Land is too scarce for basic container parking.”