Malta Freeport has laid a new 300-metre boom in Birżebbuġa’s Pretty Bay to protect bathers against any spill or leak from the port.

The €30,000 boom was installed by Blu Hull Projects, in cooperation with Port Logistics Operations, after Monday’s accidental oil spill from a container vessel.

“As part of our environmental commitment to the area, we have been working with all stakeholders within Birżebbuġa’s community for the past months to invest in proactive measures. One of these is this large boom,” a spokesperson for Malta Freeport Terminals said.

This lightweight rapid response boom prevents any liquid from entering the bathing area and protects the sandy beach from any contamination — it will remain in place until the spill is cleared from the Terminal area.

Referring to Monday’s incident, the spokesperson said that the boom had successfully protected bathers from any possible oil contamination.

READ: Oil spill at Malta Freeport Terminals

The exact cause of the spill had not yet been established; however, it seems to have originated from a container ship. It is being removed using oil-absorbent material and the use of oil skimmers.

In the coming days, teams from the contractor appointed by the vessel’s operator agent in coordination with Transport Malta will continue working to clean the marine environment and infrastructure within the terminals to avoid further contamination, the company said.