Marsaxlokk, Malta
Marsaxlokk is Malta’s iconic fishing village, famed for its colorful luzzu boats and vibrant waterfront market.
Port Overview
Marsaxlokk is located on the southeastern coast of Malta and serves as the island’s main deep-water port. It is the largest port in Malta by container throughput and ranks among the key transshipment hubs in the Mediterranean. Its strategic position at the crossroads of major shipping routes enhances its importance for international trade. Marsaxlokk handles approximately 1.48 million TEU annually, supporting both containerized cargo and energy imports, and is home to Malta Freeport, a major logistics center in the region.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Marsaxlokk, Malta’s main port, features two key container terminals—Terminal One and Terminal Two—offering a combined quay length of 2 km and 650,000 m² of storage. Facilities include specialized berths for containers, RoRo, bulk, and liquid cargo, plus oil storage and offshore logistics support. The port is equipped with modern ship-to-shore cranes, automated container tracking, and advanced cargo handling systems, including AGVs for efficient terminal operations.
Container Terminals
Marsaxlokk, Malta’s container terminals—Malta Freeport Terminals—feature two main terminals with a combined quay length of about 2,000 meters and multiple dedicated berths. The annual container handling capacity is approximately 3.2 million TEU. The terminals employ advanced equipment and fully automated container tracking systems. The major operator is Malta Freeport Terminals, managed under a long-term concession by CMA CGM. The port is equipped to handle the world’s largest container vessels.
Port Services
- Container handling: Two major container terminals with high-capacity quay cranes and extensive reefer and storage facilities.
- Cargo operations: General cargo, bulk, and liquid cargo handling, including oil products and industrial storage.
- Ship services: Towage, pilotage, vessel traffic services (VTS), provisions, bunkering, garbage disposal, and marine supplies.
- Warehousing: On-site warehousing and industrial storage for various cargo types.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import, export, and transshipment cargo.
Global Connectivity
Marsaxlokk, Malta is a major Mediterranean transshipment hub, primarily served by Malta Freeport Terminals. It connects to ports across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, with direct shipping routes to major markets such as the EU, Turkey, Egypt, and the Far East. Its strategic location offers the shortest route between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal, facilitating efficient access to global shipping lanes and serving as a gateway for Southern European and North African trade.
Port Statistics
Marsaxlokk, Malta handled 2,860,000 TEU in 2024, ranking 73rd globally by container throughput. The port features 13 berths and covers an area of approximately 680,000 m². Major shipping lines operating at Marsaxlokk include CMA CGM, MSC, and Maersk. The port serves as Malta’s principal container hub, strategically positioned for Mediterranean transshipment and regional trade.
