A call for the transformation of the Marsa shipbuilding site into a maritime hub attracted dozens of potential investors, the Government said yesterday.

It revealed that 43 interested parties had paid the £1,000 fee to collect relevant documents from the Privatisation Unit.

The international call, made in May, attracted 89 requests for information from both local and inter-national investors.

The investors now have until August 5 to make their submissions.

Economy Minister Chris Cardona said this response showed that both local and foreign investors had faith in the present Administration, in Malta’s people and in the Maltese economy.

Dr Cardona noted that the maritime hub, along with a string of initiatives the Government was announcing, should help the economy grow to its full potential.

The Government is proposing to grant a temporary emphyteusis of 45 years, negotiable for a longer period depending on the investment proposed, with an up-front premium and an annual ground rent. The eventual concession would require parliamentary approval.

This is not the first time the site has been up for grabs. Dubai Maritime City was keen to take it over some years ago but sources said they wanted the project to be awarded by direct order – something the government of the day was uneasy with. Global giant Thyssen was also interested at one stage.

The site was one of the four units put up for sale when Malta Shipyards was privatised in 2008. However, the bids received were well below what the Government had in mind and the project was shelved.

Media reports at the time indicated the government had been hoping to get an upfront payment of €15 million and €43.7 million in rent over the 30-year period, for a smaller footprint than that now being offered.