Carmelo Caruana Company Limited represents a cornerstone of the Mediterranean maritime sector, backed by a commercial history that spans over a century. Established in 1923, the firm initially operated as a commodity importer before evolving into a comprehensive logistics and shipping agency. Headquartered in Malta, it utilizes the island’s strategic geographic position at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East to facilitate complex trade flows and vessel operations. Today, the company functions as a specialized subsidiary within the Hili Ventures group, operating under its dedicated shipping and logistics arm to serve a global client base.
The primary engine of the company's operations is its ship agency division, which provides essential ground support for vessels traversing the Central Mediterranean. When ships dock at Maltese ports, such as the bustling Marsaxlokk container terminal or the Grand Harbour in Valletta, the company acts as the decisive local representative for international ship owners and operators. This role involves coordinating critical port services, including berth reservations, pilotage, and regulatory compliance documentation. Furthermore, the firm manages complex husbandry matters, ensuring that crew welfare, transfers, medical assistance, and ship provisions are handled efficiently during tight port turnarounds. Its agency capabilities extend to a diverse fleet profile, ranging from container liners and cruise ships to specialized heavy-lift vessels and chemical tankers.
Beyond standard port agency duties, Carmelo Caruana has developed significant expertise in specialized marine logistics. It is particularly noted for its long-standing involvement in the oil and gas sector, facilitating Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations and providing logistics support for offshore energy projects. The company integrates these maritime activities with land-based solutions, offering multimodal freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and warehousing services. By operating within Free Trade Zones, it allows industrial clients to store and redistribute cargo without immediate fiscal implications, effectively serving as a transshipment hub for the wider region. Through its expanded presence in key maritime nodes, including operations in Sicily and Gibraltar, the company connects global shipping lanes with regional markets, ensuring the smooth flow of commodities across the supply chain.
