On Thursday (today), Prime Minister Robert Abela inaugurated a new breakwater and ferry landing project in Buġibba, a popular resort town in the north of Malta known for its tourist-friendly promenade and vibrant entertainment scene.

The project forms part of Malta’s broader efforts to strengthen its maritime transport network as the island seeks to improve connectivity and promote more sustainable modes of travel.

During the inauguration, Dr Abela announced that a call for proposals will soon be issued for private operators to manage a new sea transport service connecting Sliema – the cosmopolitan and commercial hub of the island – Buġibba, and Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island renowned for its scenic landscapes and more relaxed pace of life.

This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and uptake of sea transport, not only along the main channel and routes to the main ports, but also across other key coastal areas.

He added that the use of this service will be further encouraged through a number of free routes, including the one between Buġibba and Sliema.

With an investment of nearly €14 million, partly financed through European funds, Infrastructure Malta has successfully completed the construction of the new breakwater in Buġibba on schedule. Stretching 180 metres in length, the breakwater is designed to reduce the impact of waves within the bay and provide enhanced protection for the mooring of fishing boats and small vessels.

Along with the main breakwater, a 36-metre-long secondary arm was constructed to provide enhanced shelter and safer mooring during adverse weather conditions, together with a terminal equipped with sheltered waiting areas and other facilities which serve the needs of passengers travelling by sea.

The Prime Minister also mentioned that this year, expenditure on capital investment projects across Malta is expected to exceed €1 billion.

This latest project complements other initiatives to expand maritime transport in Malta, such as the fast ferry service between Gozo and the capital city of Valletta, and the popular ferry routes connecting Sliema, Valletta and the historic Three Cities, known collectively as Cottonera.

In his address, the Minister for European Funds and the Implementation of the Electoral Programme, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, explained that this project forms part of a broader initiative called SMITHS, through which significant investments are being made across Malta and Gozo for eco-friendly transport and alternative means of travel by sea and land. He stated that the Buġibba project is part of this vision, which, through substantial investment from European funds, is providing the public with new and practical travel options.