Greens call for more studies on floating gas terminal

Following yesterday’s storm, Alternattiva Demokratika questioned the government’s decision to have a floating gas storage tanker moored at Marsaxlokk bay.

AD spokesperson Ralph Cassar said that during Sunday’s storm a ship broke its moorings at the Freeport due to the force of the wind.

“Fortunately the tug boats intervened in time and the ship was retied to the quay. This is not the first incident of its kind. The force of the wind and the power of the waves could easily be stronger than those of yesterday."

Alternattiva Demokratika Deputy Chairperson Carmel Cacopardo pointed out that according to the promises made by Prime Minister Muscat and energy minister Konrad Mizzi a tanker storing gas for the new power station will be moored around 700 meters away from where the ship broke its moorings yesterday.

“If a ship in the Freeport breaks loose, it is not impossible, because of the force of the wind and the waves, that a collision between the ship and the tanker full of gas happens, with serious consequences which could be disastrous.”

He added that despite AD’s protests and warnings, “these scary scenarios were not taken into consideration when MEPA made its decision about the power station. These have now become hard facts and not only possible or hypothetical scenarios."

Cacopardo added that if a maritime study about Marsaxlokk bay was carried out, it would have shed light on this type of incidents.

"These are incidents which happened in the past and which will continue to happen. It is important that the Government informs us without further delay regarding the precautions which have been taken to address such incidents."