A call for tenders for the privatisation of Ta Xbiex yacht marina will be issued in the coming months, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Austin Gatt said this morning.

The Ta' Xbiex marina is the only one which is still managed by the Malta Maritime Authority.

Dr Gatt was speaking at the launching of the fifth edition of the Boat Show, which will be held at the Excelsior Hotel between September 15. The fair is organised by Network Publications, with Bank of Valletta being the main sponsor. There will be some 50 boats in the hotel's marina, with their price ranging between €1m to €50,000.

The show will also feature the first media appearance of the Ferrari FF sportcar.

In his address, Dr Gatt said that despite the economic downturn, Malta had seen a substantial increase in the registration of pleasure yachts under the Maltese flag.

A total of 378 new registrations were made since the end of 2008. A substantial increase was also registered in the licences for smaller craft.

Dr Gatt said that last year and this year, the seasonal berthing capacity for yachts in Malta and Gozo was raised by 176 berths (68 at the RYMC, 60 in Mgarr, 38 in Sliema and 10 in Kalkara) while another 320 berths will be in place by the end of next year.

The added capacity will come from the marina in Kalkara (an addition of 115 seasonal berths to the current 10 stern-to berths), the concession in No1 Dock (55 permanent berths) and the upgrading of Ta' Xbiex Marina after privatisation (35 berths). There will also be 15 additional moorings in Ta' Xbiex and 40 permanent and 60 seasonal berths in Mgarr.

Once an environment impact assessment was completed, there was the potential for another marina with 310 berths at Sa Maison, the minister said.

"We remain convinced that private operators are better suited to respond quickly to market needs, not least by providing the required investment, " the minister said.