€7.45m investment in Marina di Valletta

Regeneration of derelict area to complement Valletta fortifications restoration.

An investment of €7.45m has been injected by a consortium formed between Marina di Varazze S.r.l, the marina development division of Azimut|Benetti Group and already operates marinas in Varazze, Viareggio, Livorno and Moscow.

The consortium which also includes Azimut|Benetti’s representatives in Malta – Esprit Yachting together with Arrigo Group of Hotels, Joinwell and Tal-Maghtab Construction – all leading local companies from the yachting, hospitality, furniture and construction industries whose names are synonymous with sound traditional values and expertise in their respective fields.

Marina di Valletta, which has been awarded a twenty-five-year concession, shall benefit from the immense international exposure, reputation and profile of the Azimut|Benetti Group though their presence at international boat shows and their 138 offices present in over 68 countries.

Following an initial environmental impact assessment by Transport Malta, a further wave study was commissioned by the company to identify the storm weather mitigation necessary and the study was undertaken by a world leader in the field – Artelia. The infrastructural works recommended by the study shall result in marina wave climate within recognized International marina standards. The study detailed weather mitigation optimised for both short and long wave climates.

Weather protection infrastructure shall be substantial and will come in two forms – the first, an outer breakwater to neutralise short waves or surface waves and shall be constructed on site by ORSTA – a Dutch company specialised in on-location construction of concrete cason wave attenuators. The company which is responsible for the largest floating breakwaters in the UK and the Netherlands, in the Ports of Southampton and Amsterdam and boasting clients such as the Dong Energy Offshore Windfarms in the North Sea and projects currently underway for the Sultanate and Government of Oman.
 The second and larger intervention shall take form in a 200+ linear metre revetment or rubble mound breakwater to be located along the Pieta quay and shall absorb long period waves present within the site in inclement weather.

Foreign and local Yacht owners alike shall be lured to Marina di Valletta by the state-of-the-art marina amenities, which will include controlled access parking dedicated to owners, round the clock berthing assistance, 24hr security and a marina office offering conveniences and concierge services. The marina will boast a luxury environment with high-end finishes installed throughout the concession area. Pontoons shall be wider than the average width of local marinas offering better stability and comfort for marina patrons and will cater for up to 274 Berths from 10metre to 28metre upon completion on the various project phases. Dedicated and shared berths shall available for transit yachts up to 24m and during the season the outer arm of the 120m breakwater shall be certified to welcome Superyachts up to 50metres in length or 500GT in transit. Transit yacht owners shall, for the first time, have direct access to Valletta and City Gate within walking distance and the company is looking at the possibility of establishing a direct transport link to the capital for marina patrons.

“Marina di Valletta shall be the first local marina to satisfy the latest environmental norms related to fixed point facilities for black water extraction in anticipation of such facilities becoming mandatory in the coming years” commented Niki Travers Tauss, General Manager, Marina di Valletta. “Furthermore the Marina shall regenerate a derelict area into a top-end international yachting destination to complement the bustling city of Valletta and it’s majestic fortifications which overlook the marina in all their splendor”.

Marina construction is expected to progress swiftly and it is expected to be fully operational in time for the 2017 season. Further information about the marina and details for pre-registration at Marina di Valletta can be found at www.marinadivalletta.com or via email on info@marinadivalletta.com