First Of 12 Oil Tanks Removed From San Luċjan Oil Storage Tanks As Works Continue

The dismantling of the former oil storage tanks at San Luċjan, Birżebbuġa has begun, marking a new stage in the transformation of the industrial site into a future sustainable innovation hub.

The clearance project, being carried out by Petromal, follows the completion of an extensive cleaning operation earlier this year. Works have now moved to the physical removal of the 12 tanks that were previously used to store heavy fuel oil. One 25-tonne tank has already been dismantled, with the remaining structures set to be removed gradually over the coming months.

Before dismantling began, around 1,200 cubic metres of oily waste sludge were removed from the tanks. The facility’s pipework network also underwent a detailed cleaning process, with sections drained, cleaned and dismantled, resulting in the recovery of approximately 10,000 litres of residual oil.

Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli visited the site alongside Petromal Chairman James Camenzuli and Birżebbuġa Mayor Scott Camilleri, where she was briefed on the decommissioning process and future plans for the area.

Dalli said the project represents more than the removal of old infrastructure, adding that the aim is to reclaim the site and give it a new purpose that creates environmental, social and economic value for Birżebbuġa and the wider Southern Region.

The dismantling of the tanks is expected to continue until around March 2027. Works will also include the removal of tank bases, ground testing and the dismantling of the former pump house and related structures.

The future vision for San Luċjan includes education, innovation and technology facilities, alongside cultural, recreational and entertainment spaces, green areas and family-oriented facilities.

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