Viset, the operator of the cruise liner terminal in Grand Harbour, is hoping to get planning permission in the near future to be able to remove the ro-ro ramp which is restricting operations at Pinto Wharf.

The removal of the ro-ro ramp, which juts out from the wharf, is seen as the most immediate measure that can be taken to counter a growing shortage of berthing space as cruise liners get bigger, and the number visiting Malta grows.

When two large ships are in harbour at the same time, Viset cannot use Pinto 3, the berth in the middle of its two main berths, because the length of the ship taking the berth in front of the Valletta Waterfront overhangs.

With the removal of the ramp, that ship can be moved back, making Pinto 3 available for a smaller ship, Chris Paris, Viset general manager explained.

It is hoped that the work can be taken in hand in the autumn and winter, when the number of cruise ships visiting Malta tails off.

But that, Mr Paris admitted, was only the short term solution, and Viset needed more quays as soon as possible.

"We are continuing to have talks with the government on improving the quay infrastructure," he said.

The government has already announced it is conducting studies on the feasibility of using Boiler Wharf and Barriera Wharf for the berthing of cruise liners. Before the election, berths in Marsamxett were also mentioned.

"We have to think ahead. If we want this business, if we want to benefit from the opportunities which lie ahead, we must improve our infrastructure and address these limitations without delay. Unless we do, it will be competing harbours which will benefit," Mr Paris said.

Viset is expecting some 395 ships to call in Malta this year, up 9 percent over last year. They will carry half a million passengers.

Mr Paris said Viset is doing its best to spread the arrivals throughout the week - there are four ships in harbour today, including one at the ‘spillover berth' at Deepwater Quay.

Up to some time ago, Friday used to be the busiest day, with quay space not so much a problem on the other days. But the pattern is changing, Mr Paris said, although Friday remains the busiest day.

"We are trying to make the most efficient use of the quays, we are trying to manage arrivals days as much as we can, but there is little you can do with fixed ship itineraries."

He said that although laying buoys had been mentioned, this would erode the competitive advantage Grand Harbour has of alongside berthing, and could discourage some operators.