Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg announced that Infrastructure Malta is planning to reconstruct the Bugibba breakwater in order to offer safer landing facilities and a passenger terminal, which will lead to the extension of Malta’s ferry transport service from Valletta, Sliema and Cottonera to St Paul’s Bay.
Minister Ian Borg recalled how a few weeks ago the liberalisation of the fast ferry market was also announced and how from the 1st of June, 2021, shipping operators can start providing transport services by sea between the Grand Harbour, Valletta and the Mġarr Harbour by fast ferry.
“The reconstruction of the Buġibba breakwater will be the fourth of this type of infrastructure which Infrastructure Malta is developing for ferry passengers in Malta. We want Malta’s reputation in the maritime sector to remain at the top and as a government we are once again committed to continue our work for further improvement and work towards initiatives in favour of more security, which will continue to seal our country’s name as one of quality, confidence and reputation”, said Minister Ian Borg.
The new 180-metre breakwater will be longer than the existing one and will provide increased shelter for fishing boats and other small vessels moored in this area. It will also incorporate berthing and landing facilities as well as safer platforms for the mooring of cruise boats that use it in summer.
Infrastructure Malta is also proposing the construction of a 37-metre jetty that protrudes from the northern side of the breakwater and offers increased shelter and safer berthing under different weather conditions. It will also rebuild the slipway next to the existing breakwater in a safer design.
The agency is strengthening the new breakwater and its jetties with fittings similar to the one it laid around the new Qrejten Breakwater in Marsaxlokk last year.
On land next to the breakwater, Infrastructure Malta is proposing to build a small ferry terminal, including a sheltered ticketing and waiting area for commuters using this mode of travel to get to the existing ferry stops in Sliema, Valletta or Cospicua.
The terminal and the new ferry landing site will incorporate facilities to ensure that this alternative means of transport is accessible to all.
