The return leg was an essential part of the supply cycle. Once a merchant ship unloaded at Malta, it had to leave Grand Harbour so it could carry another cargo and free scarce harbour space. Ships left idle in port reduced transport capacity, obstructed later arrivals, and offered concentrated targets to Axis bombers. Convoy logistics depended on keeping ships in circulation rather than treating arrival as the end of the voyage.
Notable Point · 2:15:41-2:16:12
Emptying Grand Harbour for the next convoy
Outbound sailings kept merchant ships in circulation and prevented Grand Harbour from filling with immobile bomber targets.