Infrastructure Malta welcomes the berthing of the first cruise liner at Pinto Quays
Infrastructure Malta welcomes the berthing of the first cruise liner along the first 200m stretch of quay at the newly constructed Pinto Quays 4 & 5, marking a significant milestone in Malta’s maritime infrastructure development. This is a part of a transformative €25 million investment aimed at extending both quays and reconstructing and realigning Lascaris Wharf, forming a new continuous berth along these areas.
The construction of the quays new platforms and seawall incorporate the installation of large precast concrete structures coupled with piles below sea-level and the construction of the deck above. The quays were extended by 15 metres to facilitate the berthing of larger ships without the use of spacer barges. This work was conducted by professional divers at an average depth of 20 metres. Last month, workers completed casting the quays surface. Works are earmarked to continue at a constant pace.
Upon completion of the project, this new 350-metre berth along Pinto Quays 4 & 5 and Lascaris Wharf will introduce much needed and more adequate berthing space in the Grand Harbour. The new continuous quay area will extend over an area of 5,200 square metres. Infrastructure Malta’s architects planned the new quay using improved, safer designs to facilitate the berthing of vessels up to 320 metres long and up to a draft of circa 10 metres. The new quay will incorporate a number of cope beams to accommodate the installation of new mooring bollards and fenders, preventing damage to vessels and berthing structures.
Through this investment co-financed by the European Union’s Cohesion Fund, the newly constructed quays not only enhance the operational efficiency of the Grand Harbour but also provides local maritime authorities with increased flexibility and availability in the allocation of berthing facilities, while providing the necessary infrastructure for cruise liners to berth without the need for barges. By addressing the requirements of the cruise liner industry, this project complements the Government’s ongoing efforts in the regeneration of the area around the Grand Harbour.