The number of berthing spaces increased with the building of temporary marinas in Ta’ Xbiex and Kalkara, Transport Malta said.

The number of berthing places grew from 1,511 in 2009 to 1,904 this year, it said.

The regulator issued calls for proposals for the management of the temporary yacht marinas. It also organised mooring areas at Ta Xbiex, Kalkara and Sliema and concluded a concession agreement with the operators.

The concession agreements only cover the management of the marinas and do not include any transfer of land or property ownership title.

All agreements include provisions for upgrading, installation of new pontoons and modern services and facilities such as water, electricity, security, safety, health and waste management. Some of the new marina operators were also obliged to improve the surrounding areas.

There are six permanent marinas: Msida, Ta’ Xbiex, Gozo, Portomaso, Manoel Island and the Grand Harbour and these cater for various sizes of yachts and small ships ranging from 16 to 100 metres in length.

Plans were submitted to the planning authority for a new yacht marina at Sa Maison for 310 new berths, Transport Malta said.