Updated 0900
IAC Invests in Malta Aviation Hub, Safeguards Jobs and Expands Workforce: International Aerospace Coatings (IAC) will invest in a new aircraft design and painting facility at Safi Aviation Park, strengthening Malta’s aviation sector. All 58 former Aviation Cosmetics employees will retain their jobs under the new operator, with the workforce set to grow to around 90 within three years. The government confirmed outstanding wages have been paid and employment secured through a long-term lease. Officials described the move as a major boost to foreign investment and Malta’s position as a regional aviation hub, with IAC citing the island’s strategic location as key to its expansion. (The Malta Independent)
River Tech Layoffs Follow €51M Account Freeze and Insolvency Move: Around 30 employees at Malta-registered River Tech have been dismissed after a French court froze a subsidiary’s bank account, crippling operations. The company confirmed all staff, including senior executives, received redundancy notices, with at least one worker claiming unpaid final wages. The freeze, linked to a criminal probe involving a former client, blocked access to up to €51.2 million and pushed the group towards insolvency. River Tech has since filed for dissolution in Malta. The case is tied to a wider French investigation into an alleged illegal online gambling network. (Times of Malta)
Malta Interconnector Restored After Key Upgrade Works in Sicily: Malta’s first interconnector (IC1) is back online following a planned shutdown for technical works at Sicily’s Ragusa Terminal Station. The intervention enabled safe rerouting of control cables ahead of installing a new 220kV hybrid switchgear, crucial for integrating the second interconnector (IC2). Co-financed by the EU, the projects aim to cut emissions and support renewable energy integration. The works were coordinated by Enemalta, Interconnect Malta, Terna Energy Solutions and Italy’s transmission operator, with authorities highlighting a strong focus on safety and system reliability. (Maltatoday)
Morning Briefing
Malta Joins EU States in Blaming Hezbollah for Lebanon Violence
Malta has joined nine other countries in attributing the recent escalation of violence in Lebanon to Hezbollah, amid growing regional tensions. In a joint statement issued through the EU’s diplomatic service, foreign ministers condemned attacks by the Iran-backed group against Israel, calling for an immediate halt. The declaration was also signed by several EU member states and the United Kingdom. The statement follows intensified Israeli strikes on targets in Beirut and southern Lebanon, areas where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence. Israel has said the attacks are in response to missile fire from the group. Violence has also affected UN peacekeeping forces, with three members of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon killed in recent explosions. Malta has five soldiers deployed with the mission, none of whom were injured. (Times of Malta)
Unsettled Weather to Persist in Malta Through Good Friday
Unsettled weather conditions are expected to continue across Malta throughout Holy Week, according to the Malta Meteorological Office. Maundy Thursday is forecast to be the coldest day of the week, with temperatures ranging from 10°C overnight to highs of 14°C. Cloudy skies, frequent rain showers and possible thunderstorms are expected, accompanied by strong northwesterly winds reaching force 6. Weather warnings currently in place for heavy showers and strong winds may be extended into Thursday. Conditions are expected to improve slightly on Good Friday, although isolated showers and windy conditions may persist, potentially affecting evening processions. A gradual improvement is forecast over the weekend, with lighter winds and fewer showers by Holy Saturday. By Easter Sunday, conditions are expected to stabilise, with partly cloudy skies and milder temperatures. (Maltatoday)
Arctic Metagaz Tanker Reportedly Drifting Near Malta’s SAR Zone
The tanker Arctic Metagaz is reportedly once again approaching Malta’s search and rescue zone, following days of uncertainty over its position. The vessel had been under the control of Libyan tugboats, but several have since returned to port. Plans to offload fuel and gas appear to have been abandoned, reportedly due to adverse weather and the tanker’s unstable condition. Earlier reports indicated the ship had been moved over 100 nautical miles off the coast of Misurata, placing it closer to Malta’s SAR area. The tanker was damaged in an attack in early March, believed to involve maritime drones. Concerns are now growing among maritime experts over the risk of environmental damage, particularly as rough sea conditions persist and towing operations have already been disrupted. (Newsbook)
