5 - 11 October 2000

German interest in privatisation of Malta Freeport

A German company is also showing interest in the privatisation of the Malta Freeport and talks have already been held with the company and the privatisation committee, The Malta Business Weekly has learnt.
A spokesman for the German company’s representatives in Malta said that apart from the companies mentioned last week, Hamburg-based HHLA International GmbH was among the competitive bidders for the Malta Freeport.
A public owned company, HHLA handles a total volume in Hamburg that is twice that currently handled by Malta Freeport. The company operates a number of concessions abroad, especially in South America.
HHLA’s bid for the Freeport has the backing of one of the major clients at the Freeport, Cma Cgm and partners. The company is awaiting the publication of the bidding documents.
Last week, The Malta Business Weekly reported that various well known companies have shown interest in taking over the Freeport once it is privatised. These include Eurogate and the Seattle-based Stevedoring Services of America. Discussions have already been held with Hutchinson, Port Singapore Authority and P&O Ports.
The spread of privatisation around the world’s waterfronts is creating more opportunities for select groups of global port operators to boost their portfolios. Malta’s freeport is seen as an ideal centre in the middle of the Mediterranean for many international operators to spread their wings even further.