Transport Malta this afternoon denied claims by PN deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami this afternoon, particularly that a 12- month concession was awarded to a private operator for Coal Wharf Outer.

Addressing a news conference earlier today, Dr Fenech Adami said a direct order to operate a floating dock for super yachts was given to a company that was set up two weeks after the general election.

Speaking outside the Transport Malta offices in Marsa, Dr Fenech Adami said the company, Melita Shipyards Limited was incorporated on March 20 and was granted the direct order at the beginning of May, without a proper call for expressions of interest being issued.

This, he said, went against the Labour Party’s pledge of being pro-business, transparent and accountable.

He said that according to the company’s advertisements, it was offering super yachts a crew gymnasium, a reserved parking area, a recreational area, a landscaped site and a project management area. The company was also saying it was expecting to make €10 million in revenue every year.

In a statement this evening TM said that at least 12 concessions were awarded to private operators without a competitive process over the past years, 11 of which were within the Grand Harbour.

"The awarding of Coal Wharf Outer was awarded to a private operator in line with this established practice."