Gas supplier examines options

A road tanker carrying carbon dioxide arrived in Malta yesterday on the SMS vessel Island Seaway from Catania, as gas supplier Multigas evaluates the alternatives to Sea Malta for shipping of the gas.

SMS has long argued that it was certified to carry the gas but until now Multigas has relied on the Sea Malta vessel Zebbug.

Carbon dioxide is classified as a hazardous gas as far as shipping regulations are concerned. It is mostly used by the soft drinks industry and Multigas has been concerned about its options should Sea Malta be sold.

Negotiations are currently underway for the sale of Sea Malta to Atlantica Spa di Navigazione, a Grimaldi Naples company.

Although Multigas locally manufactures the majority of the gases needed by industry, it imports other gases deemed to be hazardous, like compressed hydrogen and acetylene. SMS Shipping is evaluating the possibility of carrying these gases on the deck of the same vessel.