The Hard Standing Facility (HSF) is located in the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk, a coastal hub known for its long-standing maritime activity. The facility encompasses a dry standing area of approximately 6,000 m² and is equipped with a maximum hoisting capacity of 250 tonnes. Since becoming operational in July 2007, the HSF has played a central role in supporting the Maltese fishing sector.

As the Maltese fishing fleet has expanded over the years — particularly in terms of gross tonnage — the need for local maintenance infrastructure has grown significantly. The development of the HSF was therefore a strategic step, aimed at giving fishermen the ability to carry out essential repair and maintenance works on their vessels within Malta. This reduced the need to rely on foreign facilities in nearby regions such as Sicily or Tunisia, ultimately saving time, cost, and logistical effort for vessel owners.

The facility is equipped with two straddle-type hoists designed to accommodate a range of vessel sizes. One hoist has a maximum lifting capacity of 50 tonnes and is primarily used for smaller fishing vessels, while the second hoist — capable of lifting up to 250 tonnes — caters to larger vessels in the fleet. Through these capabilities, the HSF provides dry standing services to fishing vessels registered under categories MFA, MFB, and MFC, in the Maltese Fishing Fleet Register. It also services fishing vessels registered in other EU Member States, as well as government-owned marine vessels and pilot boats.

Should you need to contact the Hard Standing Facility, please call on 21654015.