Ivan Castillo Explains Hurds Bank PN Proposal While Out At Sea

While out at sea, Nationalist Party candidate Ivan Castillo explained the party’s proposal for the creation of a Mediterranean Maritime Fuel Hub at Hurd’s Bank.

This is intended as an offshore centre for clean maritime fuels developed through a public-private partnership.

According to the PN, preparatory studies and scoping work have already been completed, with the next stages focused on regulatory alignment, commercial structuring, environmental validation, and investment planning.

The project would also support the eventual removal of the FSU Armada LNG tanker from Marsaxlokk and integrate LNG storage into a broader long-term maritime strategy for Malta.

The PN said a strategic task-force would be established within the first 100 days of government, bringing together regulators and independent technical experts.

Further studies and preparations for a transparent public-private partnership process would follow over the next two years, with construction and initial operations planned between the third and fifth year. The party estimates the project could contribute around €500 million annually to the economy and generate up to €100 million in fiscal revenue.

The Labour Party strongly criticised the proposal, questioning its transparency, financial projections, and overall viability. Prime Minister Robert Abela argued the government should prioritise renewable energy and hydrogen infrastructure instead.

He also alleged links between the proposal and major fuel smuggling interests, claims firmly rejected by the PN and Opposition leader Alex Borg.

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Source: NET News