Transport Malta has strongly rebutted Valletta Gateway Terminal’s (VGT) unilateral decision to raise port handling charges, technically known as Terminal Operator Charges (TOC). VGT issued a Public Notice to its customers on August 14, stating that the new rates will apply as from September 1, 2014.
“During discussions held with the port terminal operator, Transport Malta has always maintained a position against the increase in charges, a position that the government authority is still maintaining notwithstanding the publication of the public notice.
Transport Malta maintains that the operator’s efforts at this particular time should focus on attracting new business to Malta through increased investments and marketing rather than increasing rates relating to domestic cargo,” Transport Malta said.
The government authority is also insisting that any increase in rates should be accompanied by a relevant business case and a study analysing the impact.