A new maritime infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of the Grand Harbour has been announced.
With an investment of around €55 million, this project seeks to reduce the impact of waves currently affecting critical areas such as Xatt il-Barriera and key maritime access points to Birgu, Kalkara, and Rinella, the government said.
The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, said: "Beyond the economic aspect and the protection the port provides for maritime activity, it is our duty to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage for which the Grand Harbour is renowned worldwide. This project will strengthen Malta's position as a natural maritime destination at the heart of the Mediterranean, with infrastructure that meets everyone's aspirations."
The CEO of Infrastructure Malta, Steve Ellul, said that the project is based on three structures designed to reduce the impact of waves entering the Grand Harbour from the Northwest, Northeast, and East, "which can cause devastating repercussions."
This project, aligned with Malta's National Transport Plan 2025, consists of three main components, the government said in a statement.
One is a 600-metre underwater breakwater extending from Imgerbeb Point to St. Elmo's Point, designed to calm the intensity of waves coming from the Northeast and East. Another is two small concrete revetments at Imgerbeb Point, strategically positioned to reinforce the main structure. And the other is a 100-metre extension of the western breakwater, specifically aimed at "mitigating the force of Northwest waves - the most persistent throughout the year. This breakwater is crucial to ensuring operational stability within the Grand Harbour.
"Infrastructure Malta is at an advanced stage of planning and conducting technical studies to construct the new breakwater along with other underwater structures. These plans have been submitted to the Planning Authority and the Environment Authority, which are carefully assessing the project to ensure compliance with environmental impact regulations and sustainable development goals."