Malta Maritime Authority
Malta Maritime Authority (MMA) is a independent state corporation and government agency that is responsible for the governance, operation, regulation and promotion of the ports of the Mediterranean archipelago nation of Malta. Operation of the principal cargo port, Malta Freeport, is done in conjunction with Malta Freeport Terminals, a company established in 1988.[1] Malta's smaller ports provide service to pleasure craft and yacht marinas, ferry services, the fishing industry and local trade. The MMA's Ports Direcorate is the port authority for all ports in Malta.[2] The Malta International Ship Register is a department of the MMA.[3]
Major ports
The Maltese archipelago has three main islands, Malta Island, Gozo Island and Comino Island. The nation has a rich maritime heritage, and principal ports include:[4]
- Malta Freeport at Marsaxlokk Harbour is the nation's principal cargo port.
- Grand Harbour at Valletta is a cargo port that has been in operation since the times of the Roman Empire.
- Marsamxett Harbour has pleasure boat marinas.