Transport Malta’s Small Ships Register handled 467 new registrations during the first eight months of this year, Transport Minister Austin Gatt said at the opening of the HSBC Premier Valletta Boat Show, yesterday.

Year on year, the number of pleasure yachts registered increased by seven per cent and the gross tonnage by 20 per cent. The number of commercial yachts on the register rose by 35 per cent and their gross tonnage by 14 per cent.

Dr Gatt said Transport Malta was actively promoting the Malta Flag to super yacht owners and representatives at the Monaco Yacht Show.

He mentioned the large amounts of EU funds coming Malta’s way for the regeneration of Grand Harbour. The government had secured €7.5 million in EU funding for landscaping works to be carried out in the Dock 1 area in Cospicua, where the boat show is being held until Monday. The landscaping project is divided into two phases, the first being landscaping from Xatt ir-Risq to the Cospicua Regatta Club, at a cost of €1.8 million, and from the Cospicua Regatta Club to the Maċina at a cost of €5.7 million.

The tender for Phase One has been awarded but is currently under appeal at the Contracts Department. However, works are due to start by the end of next month.

A tender for Phase Two, amounting to €4.9 million, is currently under adjudication, while the remaining call for tenders, for a €0.8 million contract, will be issued shortly.

The projects are aimed at creating quality open spaces for the enjoyment of local communities and visitors. Emphasis will be placed on allowing for easy access from the Three Cities and other towns nearby, and upgrading the tourist product.