Hurd's Bank fuel hub could compromise Malta's water security, Momentum warns

Momentum on Wednesday warned that the PN's proposal of a fixed fuel hub off Hurd's Bank could compromise Malta's water security.

On Tuesday, PN leader Alex Borg said such a hub servicing the thousands of vessels passing through the Mediterranean would generate €450 million in revenue within three years.

But on Wednesday, Momentum said the hub could put the country’s water security directly at stake.

"Malta relies heavily on reverse osmosis plants for its potable water supply. Any contamination event or major disruption in surrounding waters could compromise these facilities, placing the national water supply under immediate threat."

The party said it was deeply concerned over the proposal, flagging a serious lack of consideration for the environmental, economic and community implications.

"At a time when Malta faces increasing environmental pressures, it is unacceptable that a proposal of this scale... fails to adequately prioritise the protection of our seas and the well-being of affected communities.

"The waters surrounding the Maltese Islands are not only a vital natural resource but also a cornerstone of our biodiversity, economy, and quality of life."

Momentum believes that despite Hurd’s Bank being some 22 kilometres away from the shore, it still poses an enormous risk. It backed the Marsascala residents’ association, which raised similar fears relating to safety risks, visual intrusion, increased maritime traffic, and the broader transformation of the area into an industrial zone.

It added that while LNG differed from conventional oil fuels, it introduced its own set of dangers, including fire and explosion hazards in the event of a leak, as well as potential thermal and ecological impacts on marine life. 

Furthermore, the scale of infrastructure required, along with increased shipping traffic, raises serious concerns about the long-term industrialisation of offshore areas that are currently relatively undisturbed, it said.

Beyond environmental concerns, Momentum stressed that the proposal exposes Malta to serious economic risks. Tourism, which depends heavily on the country’s clean waters and attractive coastline, could suffer severe consequences in the event of an incident at such a large offshore fuel installation. Even without a major accident, the perception of industrial activity in open sea areas may undermine Malta’s image as a pristine Mediterranean destination.

“This is not just an oversight, it is a dangerous omission,” Mark Camilleri   Gambin, Momentum Secretary General and candidate for the 3rd and 11th district, said.

 “Ignoring the legitimate concerns of residents and failing to properly assess environmental and economic risks is irresponsible.

Any project of this scale must place people, environmental protection and long-term sustainability at its core.

"The proposal does not meet this basic standard.”Momentum calls on the PN to immediately withdraw and rethink its proposal, and to engage meaningfully with residents, environmental experts, civil society and the wider public to ensure that any future plans are sustainable, responsible, and aligned with Malta’s environmental, social and economic priorities."

Malta’s energy future should not be tied to further fossil fuel dependency, the party reiterated.

Instead, the country must urgently invest in renewable energy solutions, including offshore and rooftop solar, wind energy where feasible, energy storage systems, and improved energy efficiency.