To provide a better service to fishers, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has installed service pillars across the Maltese Islands over the years. These pillars supply fishers with water and electricity for use on their fishing vessels. More than one hundred (100) pillars are currently installed, with the majority — over fifty (50) — located in the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. Other locations include St Paul’s Bay, Marsaskala, Birzebbuga, St Julian’s, Kalkara, Marsamxett, Zurrieq, Marfa, Msida, Mellieha and Marsa.

Users of these pillars must have a transponder (chip). Transponders can be obtained either from the Hard Standing Facility in Marsaxlokk or through the online application from this link. Users may top up their transponders with the amount of credit they require and use that credit at the service pillars. Payment for transponders must be made by credit or debit card from one of the ATM machines that can be found at the Hard Standing Facility (Marsaxlokk), the Fishmarket (Pixkerija) at Marsa and the Landing Facility at Veccja, St. Paul’s Bay. ATM service is open 24/7.

Faulty service pillars should be reported by calling 21654015, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.