Buġibba boat owners still await answers as Transport Malta starts granting delayed access to harbour

Boat owners affected by the reorganisation of Buġibba harbour are demanding answers from Transport Malta over weeks of delays that prevented permit holders from returning to their berths long after works linked to the new fast ferry service were finished.

The controversy centres on the harbour area near Gillieru, where permit holders were instructed earlier this year to remove their vessels to facilitate a major reorganisation of mooring blocks. The changes were presented as necessary to accommodate the new fast ferry service between Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo, which was inaugurated in May.

Boat owners told The Shift that they cooperated with the process on the understanding that the disruption would be temporary. However, despite receiving new berthing coordinates and being informed that the previous swinging mooring system would be replaced with a fixed mooring arrangement, many remained unable to return their boats for weeks after the project was completed.

The delays have fuelled frustration among permit holders, many of whom continued paying for maintenance, insurance and licensing while being unable to use their vessels during the peak summer season.

The issue comes against the backdrop of a wider government campaign targeting illegal moorings.

Earlier this year, The Shift reported that Transport Malta had put in place direct orders worth around €3 million connected to efforts aimed at addressing illegal moorings and reorganising maritime infrastructure following the general election.

Yet while significant public funds have been committed to the sector, affected boat owners say they were left with little information about why completed berths remained inaccessible.

Following questions from The Shift, Transport Malta issued a brief statement saying that permit holders “are being contacted and are being granted access to moor their vessels in the designated area”.

The authority added that it remains committed to ensuring that all necessary processes are completed “efficiently and in accordance with operational and safety requirements”.

The statement stops short of explaining what specific processes remained outstanding after the works were completed, what caused the delays, or why stakeholders were not kept informed throughout the process.

St Paul’s Bay Mayor Ċensu Galea has also raised concerns after receiving numerous complaints from boat owners and questioned how berthing spaces are being allocated following the reorganisation.