ADPD – The Green Party has voiced strong reservations about the proposed ferry service from Marsaskala, warning that key concerns – including environmental, social, and economic impacts – appear to have been overlooked.
Speaking on behalf of the party, ADPD spokesperson and third district candidate Brian Decelis noted that while the party supports waterborne transport as a sustainable alternative to land-based systems, each proposal must be evaluated on its own merits. Above all, he said, residentsโ interests should come before commercial or tourism-driven objectives.
โIn the case of the Marsaskala ferry proposal, it seems that a number of relevant issues are not being considered. There are no published impact assessments or financial feasibility studies, and if they exist, they havenโt been made public,โ Decelis said. โThe public deserves transparency. Any debate should be informed by facts.โ
One of the main issues highlighted by the party is the exposure of Marsaskala Bay to open sea conditions. ADPD argues this could affect the consistency of ferry operations, raising doubts about the service’s long-term viability – particularly if eco-friendly vessels are used, which may come at higher costs.
The party also pointed to the potential disturbance to residents, particularly due to noise from vessels operating close to the shore in a densely built-up area. Traffic congestion and parking shortages in Marsaskala were cited as further complications, even if a park-and-ride system were introduced.
ADPD questioned the necessity of a ferry service in Marsaskala, given the close proximity of a well-established ferry hub in Cospicua. That route benefits from calmer waters in the Grand Harbour and existing infrastructure that offers greater protection from bad weather conditions.
Environmentally, the party raised red flags about the likely impact on the bayโs marine ecosystem – particularly the nearby il-Magฤงluq wetland, a Natura 2000 site, and protected Posidonia seagrass beds. The bayโs recreational use by locals throughout the year could also be compromised, they warned.
The party further questioned whether tourism is the driving force behind the proposal at a time when Malta should be focused on managing visitor numbers, not expanding tourism infrastructure in sensitive urban and coastal areas.
While ADPD welcomed the recent launch of the Buฤกibba ferry terminal as a step towards more sustainable transport, the party maintains that each maritime project must be carefully assessed within its specific context. Unlike Buฤกibba, where the terminal complements broader multi-modal goals, ADPD argues that Marsaskalaโs proposal currently lacks the necessary studies and public engagement.
ADPD is calling for the immediate publication of any studies related to the project and for a thorough, transparent consultation process with residents before any final decisions are taken.
โOnly with full information and genuine public input can a balanced, responsible outcome be reached,โ Decelis said.
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