Sliema and Mellieħa mayors say no to Noma Island

Updated 4.44pm

Two local mayors have raised concerns about Noma Island, a floating entertainment platform, warning that it could place additional pressure on already busy coastal areas.

Sliema mayor John Pillow said Sliema’s waters were not suitable for such a development, while Mellieħa mayor Gabriel Micallef said his locality's coastline was too sensitive for such a venue. 

The 1,750-square-metre floating recreational platform, designed as a motorised trimaran-style vessel, is being marketed as Malta’s fourth island, described by its promoters as a “mystical haven where time stands still”.

Pillow on Thursday said: “Let me be clear: any floating party platform has no place in Sliema’s waters.

“Sliema’s harbour and coastline are not suitable locations for a floating entertainment platform designed to host hundreds of guests," he added.

'Party project'

The structure can accommodate up to 350 guests, who arrive via private yachts or dedicated speedboat shuttles from the shore. It is built across two large decks that house a restaurant, a bar-lounge and a freshwater swimming pool.

The project has already faced resistance abroad.

It was forced out of the French Riviera after encountering opposition from local mayors and environmental groups who argued that the southern coast of France was already over-urbanised and did not require another large “party project”.

In Malta, Pillow was the first mayor to publicly raise concerns about the platform after the vessel was seen at the Valletta Waterfront earlier this week. It remains unclear where the structure will eventually be anchored or where exactly it will operate around Malta.

Still, Pillow said he intended to raise the issue formally at an upcoming local council meeting on March 26, where he will ask councillors to support efforts to ensure that Sliema is not used as a location for the platform.

Micallef, meanwhile, said Mellieħa already experiences significant pressure during the summer months, with the locality’s beaches welcoming thousands of visitors every day.

“Introducing a large entertainment structure in an environment that is already so busy raises serious concerns regarding safety, noise, environmental impact and enforcement,” Micallef said.

He added that the locality’s coastline lies close to sensitive natural areas, including the Għadira Nature Reserve and the Foresta 2000 sites.

Micallef said he had contacted Transport Malta, the Environment and Resources Authority and the Malta Tourism Authority to request clarification on whether there were any applications, plans or discussions related to operations close to Mellieħa’s coastline.

He stressed: “The interests of residents, safety and the environment must always come first”.

PN MP and former mayor of St Julian's Albert Buttigieg questioned what type of impact assessment had been conducted and whether there are any permits for such "clubs". 

In a Facebook post, he asked how noise levels will be controlled and what policies are in place in case of any other similar activities.

Transport Malta response

Transport Malta confirmed with Times of Malta that the vessel has been issued a Provisional Certificate of Registry under the Malta Flag Administration.

The authority said the vessel has undergone the standard process required to obtain a Commercial Vessel Operator Licence in accordance with the Commercial Vessel Regulations.

Officials also confirmed that “the vessel may operate in areas permitted to commercial vessels, subject to weather conditions and in line with NCV Commercial Vessel regulations.”

They added that the vessel will not be allowed to carry passengers while in motion and may only host guests during static charters while anchored.

Transport Malta also noted that the vessel must comply with all applicable environmental and waste management obligations.