Ivan Castillo, the Nationalist Party’s (PN) Spokesperson for the Maritime Sector and Employment statement on Monday criticised Transport Malta’s handling of five new enforcement vessels which reportedly cost around €900,000 to purchase in addition to €1,200,000 in repairs and “have been abandoned under a tent”.

The PN said that these vessels are brand new, but are not compatible with the tender specifications and therefore cannot be used even after these repairs.

The PN said that 18 maritime enforcement officers were allowed to work using two old vessels, they added that one of the two vessels was also defective and that “all maritime enforcement of our waters is being done with only one vessel” across the Maltese islands. It also said that the two old vessels were operating with no licence and registration.

“This is unacceptable” the party said, adding that the PN has asked for an independent internal investigation into the matter, but “so far no person responsible for the tender has been held responsible for all this”. They said that the tender for the five ‘RHIBS’ had been issued three times and cancelled twice until a preferred bidder was approved. They added that they are also requesting for the Auditor General, who is investigating this case, to include the reason why the tender was cancelled twice as part of his report, as well as whether the vessels were ever acceptable according to the tender criteria.

The PN said it recognises the importance of maritime enforcement and safety at sea, saying that this “should not just be a PR exercise, but an actual one”. The party said that the sea around Malta, Gozo, and Comino cannot be enforced by a singular vessel which also has other operations to carry out. It said that this is a safety risk which could result in the closure of our ports potentially leading to logistical and economic chaos, or even fatalities.

The PN said they hold the Government responsible for making sure that this situation is remedied as soon as possible and that the results of this investigation are made available to the public.

The PN concluded by saying that they will continue to follow this situation and “will ensure that no pressure is placed on any person to issue a certificate of ‘seaworthy compliance’ because this is a matter of worker safety and national security”.

In reply, Transport Malta said it makes use of a number of Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (or as they are known in the industry - RHIBs) to fulfill its duties and obligations related to maritime enforcement.

The authority reiterates that no payment was made by the Authority for the RHIBs mentioned by the PN, neither for the purchase nor for the repairs, contrary to what was alleged

The three RHIBs that are currently operating are licensed and registered according to national and international laws. contrary to what is alleged. At present, the focus is on safeguarding all interests, leading to the initiation of essential legal actions. Consequently, the plan to acquire several RHIBs as initially intended will proceed accordingly. 

Transport Malta said it will persistently prioritize the safety of its personnel and workers as a paramount concern.