Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546283
6 COMMERCIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 AUGUST 2026 Atlas Day brings employees together around development, community and connection ATLAS Insurance employ- ees came together for the spe- cial Atlas Day, held on Friday 7 August at The Xara Lodge. This year's programme com- bined learning and ref lection with a varied range of activities designed to bring colleagues together outside their usual working environment. Matthew von Brockdorff, Managing Director and CEO of Atlas Insurance, and Jackie Attard Montalto, Chief Human Resources Officer, both ad- dressed employees during the event. A strong focus was placed on personal effectiveness, with employees invited to reflect through a self-assessment ex- ercise, the results of which fed into a panel discussion on How Personal Effectiveness Drives Efficiencies and Growth, featur- ing Malcolm Booker, Matthew Caruana, Marisa Xuereb and Lawrence Zammit. Commenting on the day, Matthew von Brockdorff said: "Atlas Day is always a special opportunity to bring TeamAt- las together, to connect and to reflect on what we are building as an organisation. Our people have always been at the heart of Atlas, and we want to continue creating an environment where they can develop, contribute and do their best work. This year's focus on personal effec- tiveness reminds us that each of us has a role to play in moving Atlas forward and in continuing to build a positive tomorrow, together." The connection between Tea- mAtlas and the wider commu- nity was another important el- ement of the day. Organisations supported through Atlas Insur- ance's Community Involvement initiatives, including K-9 Urban Search and Rescue Malta (K- 9 USAR Malta), Nature Trust Malta, Blue Door Education, YMCA and the St Jeanne An- tide Foundation, were invited to share their respective mis- sions and work with employ- ees, strengthening awareness and understanding of the caus- es Atlas supports. Employees themselves play an active role in a number of these initiatives, contributing their time and skills through volunteering and other forms of participation. The more informal side of Atlas Day gave employees the opportunity to step away from their usual routines and spend time together in a relaxed set- ting, with a varied programme designed to offer something for different interests. From es- sential sewing skills and pastiz- zi-making to a neon sign work- shop and coffee and chocolate pairing masterclass, employees were free to choose how they spent the afternoon, alongside massages, games, music and opportunities to simply relax by the pool and connect with col- leagues. Atlas Day provides a dedicated opportunity for employees from across Atlas Insurance to come together beyond their day-to- day roles, combining develop- ment and reflection with com- munity engagement, wellbeing and time spent connecting as TeamAtlas. Malta Freeport Terminals welcomes new-generation CMA CGM Berenice methanol dual-fuel vessel MALTA Freeport Terminals today welcomed CMA CGM Berenice on her maiden call to Malta, marking the largest methanol dual-fuel container vessel to call at Malta Freeport The vessel's arrival represents another milestone for Malta Freeport Terminals, demon- strating the facility's ability to accommodate and efficiently handle the latest generation of container vessels while reinforc- ing Malta's strategic role as a key transhipment hub connecting major international markets. Measuring 366 metres in length, with a beam of 51 metres and a nominal capacity of 16,204 TEUs, CMA CGM Berenice is the fifth vessel in a series of six methanol dual-fuel container ships introduced by CMA CGM as part of the group's fleet re- newal and decarbonisation strat- egy. Sailing under the Maltese flag, the vessel combines alter- native-fuel capability with ad- vanced engineering features de- signed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Beyond its methanol dual-fuel capability, CMA CGM Berenice incorporates a range of advanced engineering and hydrodynamic innovations designed to maxim- ise efficiency. These include an optimised hull form, an integrated sub- merged bulbous bow, high-effi- ciency propulsion systems and energy-saving devices that re- duce water resistance, improve fuel efficiency and lower emis- sions throughout the vessel's op- erational life, supporting CMA CGM's strategy of developing a more energy-efficient and envi- ronmentally responsible fleet. The vessel called at Malta Free- port on the MEX 1 Asia-Medi- terranean service berthing at Terminal One, where cargo op- erations were carried out using [five] megamax quay cranes. Malta Freeport Terminals CEO Alex Montebello said: "The ar- rival of CMA CGM Berenice re- flects both the confidence placed in Malta Freeport Terminals by CMA CGM, the largest custom- er of Malta Freeport and one of the world's leading shipping groups transitioning towards more sustainable operations. "Our continued investment in infrastructure, equipment and technology ensures we remain well positioned to handle the lat- est generation of container ves- sels while supporting the future needs of global maritime trade." CMA CGM VP Line, Philippe Lesbros, said: "The maiden call of the CMA CGM Berenice in Malta is a strong illustration of CMA CGM's commitment to the energy transition of shipping. As one of the latest additions to our fleet, this 16,000-TEU meth- anol dual-fuel vessel combines alternative-fuel capability with the highest standards of effi- ciency and innovation. This first call also reflects the strong and longstanding ties between CMA CGM and Malta, a strategic hub at the heart of our Mediterrane- an network." The call also highlights Mal- ta Freeport Terminals' ongoing investment programme, includ- ing the expansion of Terminal Two and continued investment in advanced container handling equipment and infrastructure designed to increase capaci- ty, improve productivity and strengthen the Terminal's com- petitiveness. Alongside these investments, Malta Freeport Terminals is implementing its long-term decarbonisation strategy, with the objective of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 through investment in re- newable energy, energy-efficient equipment, operational im- provements and Onshore Power Supply.