The Ta’ Xbiex marina might get extended by almost 100 berths under plans by Transport Malta to upgrade the quay.

A 100-metre-long pontoon will be built to replace the existing moorings and provide additional berthing space, according to a project report submitted as part of the development application.

The existing berths can accommodate boats of 20-29 metres in length and 12-20 metres in length on an annual and long-term basis.

It is estimated that after reorganisation the quay will take up to a further 44 boats, with the pontoon accommodating an additional 48 berths. The most immediate repairs needed are the replacement of the pre-cast concrete duct covers along the main marina wall, replacing the collapsed wall sections and rebuilding part of the paved areas.

The project would address the demand for berthing facilities and continue to attract foreign yachts and boats, Transport Malta said.

With the demand for berthing spaces exceeding supply, Malta was facing “fierce competition” from other countries that have been aggressively developing their berthing capacity, the authority said.

Italy’s southern region currently provides more than 45,000 berths, Croatia supplies over 16,000 berths across 53 marinas and Tunisia supplies 3,000 berths in around 28 marinas. Malta has just over 1,500 berths.

It is estimated that a local yacht owner spends an average of €15,000 a year on a 15-metre boat while on a 15 to 20 metre visiting yacht, owners are likely to spend between €4,000 and €6,000 in a week. A super yacht on charter typically spends approximately €100,000 excluding refits or internal transport. It is estimated that 10 per cent of the original value of a boat is spent on maintenance and operation every year.

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