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Port of Valletta

MTMLA🇲🇹Malta

Port Location

About Port of Valletta

Valletta is Malta's primary port, situated between Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour. It handles a wide range of vessel types, including bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, and passenger vessels. The port features depths of up to 15 meters and offers compulsory pilotage and tug services.

Background
Valletta, also known as Città Umilissima, is the capital city of Malta and one of its 68 council areas. Located between the Grand Harbour to the east and Marsamxett Harbour to the west, its population as of 2021 was 5,157. As Malta's capital city, it is a commercial centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. It is also the southernmost capital of Europe, and, at just 0.61 square kilometres (0.24 sq mi), it is the European Union's smallest capital city.

Current Conditions

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Vessel Limits

Max Draft
15.02m
Channel Depth
16ft
Tidal Range
1ft
Elevation
-9999m

Operations & Services

Port of Entry
Yes
Pilotage Compulsory
Yes
Tug Assistance
Yes
Cranes
Fixed, Mobile, Floating
Drydock
M
Repair Code
A

History

Established
1566

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Identification

UN/LOCODE
MTMLA
Country
🇲🇹Malta
Time Zone
UTC+1
Feature Type
HBR (Harbor)

Classification

Type
Port
Harbor Type
Coastal natural
Shelter
Excellent

Region

Subdivision
MT-60
Area
West Mediterranean
Latitude
35.8930°
Longitude
14.5151°

References & Identifiers

WPI No.
40330 →
GeoNames ID
2562304 →
Wikidata
Q23800 →
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the draft restrictions at the Port of Valletta?+
The controlling depth at Valletta is 15.02 meters. Draft restrictions should be confirmed with the port authority before arrival, as silting, dredging operations, and tidal conditions can affect available depths. Pilotage is typically required for larger vessels.
What major shipping routes pass near the Port of Valletta?+
The Port of Valletta is located within the Mediterranean East-West corridor — a major trade route spanning the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the Suez Canal. This strategic position influences vessel traffic density, anchorage availability, and port scheduling.
How do I track vessels arriving at or departing from the Port of Valletta?+
You can track vessels near Valletta (MTMLA) in real time using MarineRadar. The platform displays live AIS positions of nearby ships, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page or search for MTMLA on the live map.
What are the operating hours and time zone for the Port of Valletta?+
The Port of Valletta operates in the UTC+1 time zone. Operating hours, VTS schedules, and pilot availability vary — vessel agents should confirm with the port authority in advance, especially for night arrivals or weekend operations.
What is the Port of Valletta?+
VALLETTA (UN/Locode: MTMLA), Malta is a seaport located at approximately 35.89301° N, 14.51505° E.
Where is the Port of Valletta located?+
Coordinates: 35.89301° N, 14.51505° E. Nearby terminals/ports:MALTA FREEPORT DISTRIPARK — UN/Locode: MTDIS — 35.83000° N, 14.53000° EMARSAXLOKK — UN/Locode: MTMAR — 35.82770° N, 14.54345° EPOZZALLO — UN/Locode: ITPZL — 36.71498° N, 14.83283° E
What facilities are available at the Port of Valletta?+
Depths: maximum draft approx. 15.02 m.
What are the operational restrictions at the Port of Valletta?+
Entrance/operational restrictions — tide: no specific restriction; swell: no specific restriction; ice: none; overhead limits: none and other: none noted.
What are the communications and port formalities at the Port of Valletta?+
Communication & port formalities — telephone: not available; radio (VHF): not available; air services: not available; rail: not available; ETA message: not required; quarantine pratique: not available; deratting certificate: not available and first port of entry: not available. Pilotage & towage — pilotage: not available; tug assistance: not available and tug salvage: not available.
What types of vessels historically call at the Port of Valletta?+
Vessel types historically calling: Bulk Carrier, Bunkering, Container, Fishing, Gas Carrier, General Cargo, Offshore, Passenger, Pleasure Craft, Ro Ro, Special Craft, Tanker, Tugs Harbor Craft and Unspecified.
Which service providers operate at the Port of Valletta?+
Service providers include Malinda Global Maritime LTD.