National Strategic Reference Framework

MALTA – National Strategic Reference Framework 2007-2013 Draft Document for Consultation
considerable increase in traffic congestion. Private car ownership and usage is on the
increase, whereas public transport patronage has never assumed rising trends in
consumption.
Four of Malta’s seaports, namely Valletta, Marsaxlokk, Cirkewwa and Mgarr, have been
identified as being motorways of the sea and are part of the planned TEN-T Maltese
network. The sea ports of Cirkewwa and Mgarr handle inter-island transportation of
passengers and cargo between Malta and Gozo and therefore constitutes a critical service
and a socio-economic life-line for the island of Gozo. The volume of passengers, vehicles
and cargo using the ferry service between Malta and Gozo has increased substantially in
recent years. The trends show that the number of passengers and cars using the Gozo
ferry service has increased over the years and it is expected that the demand for crossings
is likely to increase. Inter-island transportation exerts considerable pressure on the
existing port infrastructure, both in terms of port facilities and actual transportation
modes.
Valletta and Marsaxlokk are the main ports serving international traffic both capable of
providing a comprehensive package of maritime services and cargo storage. The port of
Marsaxlokk hosts a major Mediterranean container terminal and an independent oil
terminal. The Port of Valletta is a natural deep water harbour with a generally good
commercial port infrastructure. The further development of the port infrastructure
depends on required dredging works, quay extensions and expansion of the port
hinterland areas. It does however have the potential for increased inter-harbour trips for
residents’ and tourists’ use and pleasure.
Malta’s international airport and a heliport in Gozo support the requirements of the
country which is heavily dependent on air transport connectivity. There are a number of
airlines operating to and from Malta. Air transport policy is crucial to the further
development of tourism, trading and commercial activities in general. Air transport is
also critical to support the development of the country’s manufacturing capacity by
providing air cargo solutions.
2.3.2 E-Society
Malta has shown that it can attain success given the right vision, leadership, commitment
and investment. The progress attained in ICT and the proliferation of an E-Society is one
area of success.
Government is committed to achieve a first class information society and has launched a
national strategy with a number of objectives, including the attainment of extensive eaccessibility
in a number of sectors. In 2004, practically all households were connected to
the telephone network and mobile telephony penetration was rapidly converging with the
EU average. A national ICT strategy for the period 2004 to 2006 was launched. The aim
is to also extend the information society to tourists visiting the island and to potential