The Grimaldi Lines vessel Cruize Roma arrived at Valletta Gateway Terminals, a terminal operated by Singapore based Portek and local partners Tumas Group. The Vessel arrived at Deepwater Quay on 10:00 local time Saturday 26th February from Benghazi, Libya. Chartered by the Chinese Government on an evacuation mission carrying 2125 Chinese Nationals and a handful of other Nationals, from Croatia, Malta and Italy. This is the first of several large scale evacuation missions via Malta planned for Chinese Nationals, who numbered over 30,000 in Libya before the crisis.

The Cruize Roma is a Ro Ro (Roll on-Roll off) vehicle and passenger ferry, 7500 Tons deadweight, 224m length overall and 30m width. The largest Ro Ro vessel ever to call at Malta’s Grand Harbour.

The Maltese Government had prepared medical staff and facilities on standby in VGT’s warehouse beside the quay, but only one passenger required medical assistance and boarded a waiting ambulance.

Passengers, relieved after a whole days delay due to bad weather, thronged the ships rails on arrival, waved to the waiting Nurses on the quay, and erupted with an excited cheer when the Chinese flag was unfurled in welcome by Chinese Embassy Staff.

The vessel and her passengers were greeted by Maltese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tonio Borg together with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Keyuan and his staff. The Chinese evacuees, including a new born baby, born days before departure, boarded coaches on the garage deck inside the vessel for transit to Malta’s Luqa airport and repatriation on chartered flights home.