New vessel for Malta's port pilots fleet
The 'Sierra' was inaugurated on Monday
A new vessel in the Malta Maritime Pilots’ Cooperative fleet was inaugurated on Monday.
The Sierra was manufactured entirely in Malta, the Office of the Prime Minister noted in a statement.
OPM explained that all vessels above 500 tonnes were not allowed to enter or leave Malta’s ports without the guidance of a maritime pilot. Such vessels could include large cargo vessels and cruise ships.
The statement described cooperative pilots as “trained according to the highest international standards and capable of handling the largest vessels in today’s global fleet”.
“Many of the imports and exports that sustain our people, and numerous industries depend on this service,” it said, noting that pilots helped guide around 8,000 entries and exits to Malta last year.
Prime Minister Robert Abela, who inaugurated the vessel, said this “high level of competence strengthens Malta’s position both in logistics and as a prestigious tourism destination in the Mediterranean”.
“That is why the skill and capability of Maltese maritime pilots translate into competitiveness for our country’s economy,” he said.
Transport Minister Chris Bonett said the vessel, representing a €1 million investment, “not only enhances safety and reduces operational risks but also reminds us of the value of our workers”.