The yachting and maritime leisure industry in Malta is achieving encouraging growth, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Joe Mizzi says.
Boating is one of the largest outdoor activities in Malta and for the past years, we have seen a constant and rapid expansion in the industry, both in the leisure and commercial sectors.
Malta is now a hub of commercial and leisure maritime activity with marina developments in Marsamxett, Grand Harbour and Mġarr and with further developments being planned for Marsamxett Harbour.
This is a segment of the maritime industry that generates a lot of interest and Malta has the potential to become a desirable yachting destination.
Over the past year, we have seen the setting up of Yachting Malta, a collaboration between the Government and the Royal Malta Yacht Club to further strengthen the yachting industry and also to develop new initiatives and attract new yachting events to our shores. We have also seen the transfer of Sandy Yacht Marina from a 50-berth mooring area to a marina offering finger pontoons with a 150-berth capacity.
Over the past year, we have seen the setting up of Yachting Malta, a collaboration between the Government and the Royal Malta Yacht Club to further strengthen the yachting industry
Works on the recently approved Sa Maison Marina will bring the total number of marina berths in Malta and Gozo to 2,200.
Currently, over 13,000 small boats are actively registered with Transport Malta. With over 600 new registrations every year, a number of organised mooring areas for small boats around Malta and Gozo are being planned in order to maximise space and address the demand for small boat moorings.
Over 1,000 new nautical licences are being issued every year, thus proving the local interest in owning and driving sea craft. Transport Malta is aware of the growing interest, which also means new challenges to maintain order at sea, particularly during the summer season. Transport Malta will continue to invest in staff and equipment to carry out enforcement and patrols at sea. During summer, sea patrols are carried on a daily basis.
Apart from maintaining order, the Maritime Enforcement Unit of Transport Malta also provides support to maritime events. Commercial activity has also seen a rapid growth, with over 600 boats holding a commercial certificate. This growth is reflected in the increase in yacht charter and water sport operators.
A number of new yachting events have been attracted to our shores, including the Chinese Silk Route Expedition, the prestigious RC44 Yacht Race and various races taking place in local waters.
The unique RC44 boats raised a lot of interest both from the locals and from the international press. The event was indeed a success and there is the possibility that we will have other opportunities to host this important maritime event in the future.
The established Rolex Middle Sea Race held in October and Euro Meds held in December have shown further growth and this year the indication is that we will have a record number of entries for the Rolex Middle Sea Race.
The Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure is once again supporting the eighth edition of the Valletta Boat Show. Over the years the show has promoted Malta’s yachting sector activities both locally and on the international stage.
This year the show will host some of the industry’s most prestigious brands and should be an enjoyable event for all boating enthusiasts.