Dr Bonello added that this was the reason why the MMA was at present re-visiting a study that was conducted a few years ago on the possibility of creating more berthing facilities in Malta. The places this report recommended include Xemxija Bay.

Dr Bonello said that apart from the berthing facilities provided by the MMA, there are also a number offered by the private sector, such as those at Portomaso, Cottonera and Manoel Island, among others, which together have 700 berthing spaces.

The MMA and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, he said, were looking into this report to prepare a development brief for potential developers to know exactly what the development entails. After this has been completed, a call for expressions of interest will be issued and the best bidder chosen.

Competitiveness and Comm-unications Minister Censu Galea said that the government is committed to improving the sector of berthing facilities provided by the country in order to improve Malta’s competitiveness.

He said Malta had a competitive advantage over other countries because of its strategic, geographical position. This was evident from the large number of yachts that berthed in Maltese yacht marinas.

Mr Galea said the Msida and Ta’ Xbiex yacht marina offered 815 berths, which have all been taken up. Apart from this, the MMA also runs the Mgarr marina that has 190 berths that are also all being used.

Asked if improving Malta’s competitiveness in the sector also meant increasing the fees being charged at present, Mr Galea and Dr Bonello both admitted that this was in the pipeline. They said prices had to be reviewed because competitors charged much more than the amount that Malta was charging. Mr Galea also appealed to those who use the services provided at the yacht marinas not to waste water and electricity.

Asked how many berthing spaces the new berthing facility being proposed at Xemxija would have, Mr Galea said no decision has yet been take on the size of the marina.