Notice to Mariners issued in Govt. Gazette 21,399 of 4th March 2025

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and owners of vessels, that due to large vessels berthing at Malta Freeport Terminal 1 West, a new maneuvering area is being established.

Consequently, all vessels and moorings within the area A, B, C, D, and the intermediate coastline, as shown in red on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt), are to be removed before Friday, 14th March, 2025, and the area is to remain clear from any vessel and mooring after this date.

Any vessels and moorings that are left in the above-mentioned area after the Friday, 14th March, 2025, will be removed at the expense of their owner.  No liability whatsoever will be accepted by the Authority for any damage that may be caused while removing the said vessels.

Furthermore, mariners are reminded that it is prohibited to lay any moorings and ground tackle without the prior permission of the Authority and that approaches to marine terminals maneuvering areas and fairways are to be kept clear at all times.

Failure to comply with the above directions may be subject to legal proceedings.

Local Notice to Mariners No. 68 of 2024 is hereby cancelled.

Chart affected: BA 36

of Il-Port ta' Marsamxett

The Ports and Yachting Directorate, Transport Malta, notifies mariners and operators of vessels, that a national observation station buoy and two smaller buoys 20m away on either side and their sinkers will be laid at approximately 2 NM Northeast of Il-Port ta' Marsamxett.

All buoys will have a light on them.

The laying operation will take place on any days between Monday, 10th March, 2025 and Friday, 14th March, 2025.

The national observation station buoy and smaller buoys with their sinkers will be laid centred on the following position, as shown on the chart found on the Transport Malta website (www.transport.gov.mt):

Latitude (N) Longitude (E)

 A        35° 55'.812                             014° 32'.361

The laying operation will be carried out with the use of crane loaded on a barge. The operation will also be assisted by divers, who will be displaying the International Code of Signals Flag 'A', while the operation is being carried out.

The vessel carrying out the operation will be restricted in manoeuvrability.

A safety zone of 200m from the given points is to be kept clear while the laying operation is being carried out.

Mariners are advised to navigate with caution at slow speed and give a wide berth when in the vicinity, and are to cooperate with the contractor on site.

They are to comply with instructions given on VHF Channel 12 and/or 16 by Valletta VTS.

Chart affected:  BA 177

Positions referred to WGS 84 DATUM