On Monday, the Planning Commission gave the go-ahead for Fortina Investments to build a temporary landing pontoon within Balluta Bay, St Julian’s, with the intention to land ferry passengers.

Fortina will operate a hop-on-hop-off maritime service through the temporary pontoon that will be built by the adjacent San Giljan water polo club.

Fortina Investments, the holding company behind Fortina Hotel and the widely popular Captain Morgan Ferries have challenged criticism that the pontoon will hinder bathers, stating:

“…it is not located in the vicinity of the Balluta sandy beach and will have absolutely no impact on bathers – unlike numerous pleasure craft that already anchor in the area – while the vessels utilised by Fortina Investments will be brand new eco-friendly boats compliant with the highest emission and environmental standards. It is baffling that NGOs should be against environmentally-friendly boats.”

The project also had the support of the San Giljan Aquatic Sports Club.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously in favour of the project, whereas a month ago it was reported that the entity was likely to turn down the project.