Malta’s largest patrol vessel out of action

Updated 5.40pm

Malta’s largest patrol vessel, the P71, is currently out of service after sustaining damage to one of its shafts located below sea level, according to parliamentary questions.

Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri confirmed the damage in response to a series of questions from PN MP Darren Carabott. The vessel, the most modern in the Armed Forces of Malta’s fleet, was only commissioned in January 2023.

Carabott pressed the minister for details on the extent of the damage, how it occurred, how long repairs will take and how much they will cost.

However, Camilleri said he could not yet confirm the duration or cost of the repair works.

“I am informed that the damage sustained by the vessel P71 is located in one of the vessel's shafts below sea level and preliminary inspections have been carried out to date,” the minister said.

In a follow-up question, Carabott asked whether the damage was the result of faulty design or inadequate maintenance.

Camilleri did not specify the cause, but said, “I am informed that the damage sustained by the vessel P71 is not due to a lack of adequate maintenance.”

The 74.8-metre-long offshore patrol vessel was built by Italian shipbuilder Cantiere Navale Vittoria SpA at a cost of €48.6 million. The project was co-financed through the European Union’s Internal Security Fund (ISF).

The P71 is not only the largest vessel in the AFM’s fleet, but also the longest offshore patrol vessel ever built by the Italian manufacturer.

Equipped with a 25mm fixed gun and an integrated command, control and navigation system, the vessel also features both 2D surveillance and navigation radar, as well as satellite communication systems.

It is powered by a hybrid system comprising two 5,440kW diesel engines integrated with electric motors that drive two variable-pitch propellers, allowing speeds of up to 23 knots (42 km/hour). It is also fitted with bow and stern thrusters and active-fin stabilisers to improve stability at sea.

The vessel accommodates a 40-officer crew who can remain on board for 15 days or more. Onboard facilities include a small gym with weights, treadmills and rowing machines to help crew members stay fit while at sea.

Times of Malta also sent questions to the Army however they have yet to respond. 

Carabott accused the home affairs ministry of witholding information. 

"Had it not been for the Opposition disclosing this fact in Parliament, this embarrassing situation for the Labour Government would have remained hidden from the public," he said.

He called on the government to confirm whether the contractual guarantees agreed (or previously in force) with the Italian company that won the public tender for nearly €50 million have been affected by the fact that the same company filed for preventive restructuring proceedings in the Italian Court of Rovigo, after facing the risk of bankruptcy.

He said the company was recently bought out by another Italian firm for €8.2 million.

Carabott accused the government of hiding the fact that out of a fleet of five AFM helicopters, only one is currently operational.

"The Partit Nazzjonalista firmly believes that the Armed Forces of Malta deserve better, and that the lack of proper investment by the Government is putting our soldiers at risk," he said.