With just days before the arrival of the gas tanker, the government this evening announced further steps in creating a gas pipeline between Malta and Sicily.

Core sampling and geological tests were currently underway to find the best route for the Malta-Italy gas pipeline.

This process forms part of a second detailed study co-financed by the European Union on the seabed route, the basic design and the necessary documentation.

According to a 2015 study, the best route for the pipeline would be from Gela in Sicily to Marsascala. The pipeline would be 22 inch diameter wide and would be 155 km long.

Once the pipeline is ready, Malta will no longer need the floating storage unit.

These would enable the environmental process for the permits for the pipeline to be embarked upon.

Minister Konrad Mizzi, the government said, was working for the pipeline to be finished in the shortest time possible.