Plans for a private operator to install a floating dock in the middle of Sliema Creek were scrapped following protests by tourism stakeholders and the Gżira local council, the Times of Malta is informed.

In a move that raised many eyebrows in the maritime industry, Transport Malta recently issued a request for proposals to grant a concession to place a floating dock for the maintenance of yachts and other facilities at Sliema creek, right across the Sliema/Gżira strand.

The decision was reversed within less than a week amid objections that the area was not appropriate for yacht drydocking and maintenance facilities.

Yacht repair industry sources said they could not believe their eyes when they saw the request for proposals, which, they pointed out, was issued without any consultation.

“The request for proposals for a concession in such a prominent touristic place immediately raised the industry's eyebrows not only because of its location in the middle of Malta’s tourism hub but also as it was never ever discussed,” the sources noted.

“It was evident that the move was aimed to accommodate some particular company.”

I really don’t understand who at Transport Malta came up with this brilliant idea- Gżira mayor

The request for proposals was issued on January 24 and was aimed at businesses interested in installing a floating dock for 15 years in Sliema creek, just 200 metres away from a swimming zone.

Interested parties were given a month to apply for the concession and offers below €20,000 a year for the lease of the sea space would not be considered. The winning bid would depend solely on the price offered.

Asked about the reason for installing a floating dock in such a prime tourism area, a spokesman for Transport Malta only said “the request for proposals was withdrawn”.

“Following discussions between the local council and Transport Malta, the authority decided to revoke the request for proposals and consider potential alternative locations.

“We chose a location that is already compromised by a similar activity catering for larger boats,” Transport Malta’s spokesman insisted, with reference to the land-based Manuel Island Yacht Yard, which has been operating for the past 35 years.

Times of Malta was informed that the request for proposals was withdrawn following a decision by Transport Minister Ian Borg, who had been unaware of the move.

Dr Borg was inundated with protests by tourism operators in the area and by the Gżira local council when news of the proposed floating dock started making the rounds.

Labour Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manchè confirmed he was among those who vehemently opposed the idea.

“I can confirm that, as soon as I was informed about this concession, I protested with the minister and the request for proposals was immediately scrapped. I really don’t understand who at Transport Malta came up with this brilliant idea,” he sarcastically said.

Mr Borg Manchè said the Gżira local council had already opposed plans by Midi consortium to put pontoons and other sea-based structures next to Manuel Island.

“Surely, we would not want a floating dock instead,” he said.