Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi was yesterday present for the commissioning of four new patrol boats at the Maritime Squadron’s base in Haywarf, Floriana.

The four inshore patrol boats (P21-P24) are the fruit of a €9.5 million investment, co-financed by the European Union.

Dr Gonzi said that not only will the new boats strengthen the Maritime Squadron’s fleet, but they could also pave the way for the permanent stationing of one patrol boat, constantly on-call, in Gozo.

“Besides these four patrol boats, the government has also invested approximately €12 million to enhance the Armed Forces of Malta’s capacity. A new fixed wing aircraft will be delivered to the AFM next year and by the end of next month the modernisation in the communications infrastructure of the forces will be finalised, with construction works on a new quay and the building of new Maritime Squadron headquarters also underway,” said Dr Gonzi.

The Prime Minister added that a new recruitment programme is currently underway within the AFM. Last year, 95 gunners and eight officer cadets were recruited.

The Commander, Brigadier Martin Xuereb, said that the new boats will improve efficiency and reduce maintenance costs, and will contribute to ensure that the Maritime Squadron, which is made up of a total of 259 persons, will continue to carry out its responsibilities with efficiency.

Brigadier Xuereb said that the vessels will particularly come in use when safeguarding Maltese shores during law enforcement missions and when monitoring irregular migrant trafficking, Moreover, they will help in preventing drug trafficking, enhance fisheries protection, increase Search and Rescue (SAR) measures and also provide assistance to civilians finding themselves in difficulty.

Austal, an Australian company, designed and manufactured the four aluminium vessels.

Matt Klingberg, a representative of the company, stated that the new patrol boats “will demonstrate the advantages of lightweight aluminium patrol vessels, particularly in terms of their high speeds and low operating costs.

“Austal is currently building its second large commercial ferry for Maltese operator Virtu Ferries, which is on schedule for launch later next month. However, this four-vessel patrol craft fleet is of particular importance to Austal as it represents our first European defence contract. Of greater pride is the fact that it was awarded following an extensive international process,” said Mr Klingberg.

AFM Chaplain Joseph Meli blessed the four patrol boats. The Prime Minister, members of the Maritime Squadron and media representatives were then taken on a short tour on one of the four boats in Grand Harbour.