Cruise ship buoy off Xlendi has never been used

A buoy for cruise liners laid off Xlendi in March after years of debate and preparation, has never been used.

The buoy cost €238,230, according to information given in Parliament today.

The laying of a buoy was first discussed in 2006, after the Seabourne Pride anchored off Xlendi. Although a small number of other ships followed, their masters had complained that engines could not be switched off because the ships dragged anchor.

In April, the small cruise ship Spirit of Adventure, which had planned to use the buoy, had to move to Mgarr because of of unfavourable weather conditions.