The Melita Shipyard Facility in Paola refits and repairs around 4-5 superyachts each year, bringing in millions of euros to the Maltese economy.

Pierre Balzan, Director of the Melita Marine Group – who control the facility – said that around 100 employees work in the facility, 90% of whom are Maltese. “These are mainly technicians, engineers and specialised personnel”.

Any yacht measuring over 30m long is considered a superyacht. The largest superyacht docked so far was the 75-metre Plan B. Other yachts included the 67-metre Garcon, the 70-metre Martha Ann and the 45-metre Kriss. The yard is also awaiting a 100-metre yacht in the next months.

The facility can take up to a maximum of 5,000 tonnes and yachts measuring up to 100 metres. “This accounts to around 90% of all superyachts in the world,” he said. “The company can handle any kind of work needed for such sea-faring vehicles”.