The marina is, in fact, nearing completion and will be fully operational by the end of the year, Grand Harbour Marina directors announced yesterday, although the first super yachts (85m+), may berth by November. The Prime Minister was given an overview of the project and its progress aboard a yacht as it toured the grand harbour.

Dr Gonzi said he was satisfied at the news and thanked the company for its investment, estimated to top Lm10.5 million when complete. He said that the project will make headway in regenerating the area’s economy and that of the rest of the island. “This was one of the items discussed during the Girgenti meetings last week,” he said. “These sort of services will be prioritised in the government’s economic development policy.”

The company’s CEO Albert Caruana explained that the work on the quay, just beneath Fort St Angelo, was well underway. The quayside in the area is being built to provide berths for super yachts of up to 110m and is the last remaining section of construction work. There appears to be a great deal of interest for these berths, some of which will be leased for periods as long as 25 years.