Two rescue launches operated by the Armed Forces of Malta have returned to service after a €1.5m upgrade in the Italian shipyard where they were built. The white-painted Victoria class launches, called Melita I and Melita II, were brought back to service in a short ceremony at Haywharf.
AFM officials explained that the upgrade had improved seaworthiness, safety, propulsion, all-weather reliability and navigation systems. The launches were commissioned in 1998.
Most of the work was carried out at Cantieri Navali Vittoria, Adria in Italy. Works commenced in the first week of April, with sea trials concluded in the last week of July.
80% of the project costs are being borne by an EU External Borders Fund, with the rest of the funding provided by the government.
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Source: afm, August 17, 2011;