The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett visited the project of the extension of two piers in Port il-Kbir, which is currently progressing at a good pace. When the work on the Pinto 4/5 and Lascaris sites is completed they will form one pier with a length of approximately 350 meters.
During the visit, Minister Bonett was given information about the project by the CEO of Infrastructure Malta, Ivan Falzon, and the architects and officials responsible for the work .
This project, which is being carried out by Infrastructure Malta, will provide the necessary infrastructure with which cruise-liners will be able to dock without the need for barges. The construction of these piers is being done with an investment of around €25 million with co-financing from European funds.
Minister Chris Bonett reiterated how these works highlight the collective work of the Government in order to provide the best infrastructure for the tourism niche of cruise liners. In 2023, our country experienced approximately 900,000 passenger movements through cruise liners. This is an increase of 65% compared to the previous year and which compares very well with 2019 which was a record year.
“Malta is achieving the best results in the tourism sector and therefore we are looking to strengthen the infrastructure that facilitates the needs of the cruise liner industry. All this while strengthening the Government’s commitment in the regeneration that is taking place around Port il-Kbir,” repeated Minister Bonett.
The piers, located in the part behind the Customs towards the Valletta Waterfront, are being extended outwards by 15 meters. This will allow large ships to dock here without the need to put barges between the quay and the ships as was happening to allow passengers to disembark or board.
In a delicate task, this project is seeing the participation of professional divers who are coordinating the placement of large structures that will serve as the base of another important infrastructure. The work is being done at an average depth of about twenty meters, with the concrete structures being joined to the existing structure.
Photos (DOI-MTIP)
