Nationalist MEP candidate Therese Comodini Cachia has castigated the government for failing to take heed of Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga residents’ concerns about permanently berthing a gas-storing ship a short distance away from their home towns.

This afternoon, the EP candidate organised a boat trip for journalists to stress just how close the floating gas storage unit would be to residents, and to other maritime activity that takes place in Marsaxlokk Bay.

She pointed out that 91% of residents wanted the ship to be berthed outside the bay for various reasons, including safety concerns, a possible hindrance to fishermen and the visual impact on the area. However, she added, the self-proclaimed “government that listens” appeared only to do so when it suited it.

Dr Comodini Cachia noted that although Marsaxlokk Bay hosts the Freeport and is an important centre for fishermen, no studies on the possible effect on maritime activity have been carried out. She noted that hindering fishermen from carrying out their work would inevitably affect their families’ living standards, and that hindering work at the Freeport could leave a significant impact on the economy.

She contrasted the Maltese government’s plans to those of the government of the Italian region of Tuscany, when a similar floating terminal was berthed in the vicinity of the city of Livorno. In the latter case, the regional government appointed an expert who established five levels of restrictions on shipping around the terminal – including a ban on navigation within two nautical miles of the terminal.

As a result, Dr Comodini Cachia asked whether any areas of the bay will be made off-limits to fishermen and whether their work will be restricted in any way. She also questioned whether maritime activity in the bay would have to be stopped whenever refuelling tankers come in, and if so, whether any studies looking into the possible impact on Freeport activity have been made.