PN Pledges Removal of Marsaxlokk Gas Tanker Under Proposed Maritime Fuel Hub Plan

The Nationalist Party (PN) has pledged to remove the gas tanker currently stationed in Marsaxlokk Bay and relocate it offshore as part of a wider maritime investment project it says will transform Malta’s economy and improve residents’ quality of life.

Speaking during a press conference in Birżebbuġa, PN candidate Ivan Castillo criticised the Labour Government, describing the presence of the tanker as a “broken promise” that was originally intended to be temporary but has remained in the bay for 13 years. The press conference was held in front of the gas tanker and was attended by several PN candidates on the Fifth District, alongside PN Leader Alex Borg.

Castillo outlined the proposed Mediterranean Maritime Fuel Hub project, which would be located at Hurd’s Bank. He said the initiative has two main objectives: the removal of the LNG tanker from Marsaxlokk Bay and its relocation more than 20 kilometres offshore, and the strengthening of Malta’s maritime economy through new fuel services for passing vessels.

He explained that Malta’s geographical position places it along major shipping routes, and the PN’s vision is to develop LNG bunkering services to attract international maritime traffic. According to Castillo, the project is expected to generate €450 million in its first three years, create around 150 direct jobs, and support additional indirect employment opportunities.

He stressed that the project would be fully offshore, with no additional land use or pressure on local infrastructure, and would be designed to transition to future fuels over time.

Castillo also said the PN is committed to ensuring that, if elected, the tanker would be removed before the end of its first legislature, describing the plan as a “fresh start” for Marsaxlokk, the maritime sector, and Malta’s economy.

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