Updated 3.30pm

Transport Malta has spent €1.2 million on repairing five recently acquired boats, but the vessels still cannot be used, the Nationalist Party said on Monday.

The boats were bought for €900,000 after a call for tenders.

The call was issued three times until a supplier was selected but the boats did not match specifications, even after repairs were made, Ivan Castillo, PN spokesman on maritime transport said.

18 Transport Malta officers have since relied on two old boats, one of which is also defective. 

Castillo observed that Transport Mata had ignored the PN's previous request for an internal investigation.

He said the auditor-general, who is carrying out an investigation, should also look into the tendering process and whether the vessels ever matched specifications. 

Enforcement of maritime laws at sea was important, the PN said, and enforcement officers should be given the tools to conduct operations effectively and safely.  

TM says it has not paid for boats

In a statement on Monday, TM said it had not paid for the Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) - neither for the purchase nor for the repairs.

The three RHIBs that are currently operating are licensed and registered according to national and international laws and at the moment, it was focusing on taking legal action over the matter.

"Consequently, the plan to acquire several RHIBs as initially intended will proceed accordingly. Transport Malta will persistently prioritize the safety of its personnel and workers."