Bunkering taking an ecological toll on Sikka l-Bajda

The Sikka l-Bajda forms part of the largest bunkering site in Malta. In 2009, 563 oil tankers – an average of about two oil tankers a day – used the reef for bunkering.

Depressions sometimes reaching a depth of 370 metres cutting across the protected sea grass in the Sikka l-Bajda reef are reported in environmental studies conducted to assess the impact of the aborted windfarm.

These depressions have been attributed to anchor dragging by large vessels, which presently use the area for bunkering activities. 

Bunkering is the process of supplying fuels to ships for their own use. The Sikka l-Bajda forms part of the largest bunkering site in Malta. In 2009, 563 oil tankers – an average of about two oil tankers a day – used the reef for bunkering.

The number of ships varies according to the weather since the area is used mostly when southwest winds prevail.

The studies reveal that a series of  “deep, elongated, narrow and linear to meandering depressions” can be observed across parts of the Sikka l-Bajda plateau. 

In 2004, around 13.5% of bunkering activity (ship to ship by bunker barge) carried out in Malta was carried out at the Sikka l-Bajda. This activity increased in 2009, when approximately 20% of bunkering carried out in Malta took place at this site. 

The studies have also revealed that over the years, the Sikka l-Bajda reef has been heavily fished in illegal trawling activities. 

Other negative impacts of bunkering operations include spillages from bunkering operation incidents like tank overflow or hose breaks into the marine environment. 

Another impact is the possible introduction of alien marine species through discharge of ballast water. 

The proposed windfarm would have put bunkering activities to an end, as dropping anchor in areas in the presence of underwater electrical supply cables would have posed a very high risk.

This would have required the relocation of bunkering activities from the reef to another area sheltered from the Southwest winds. 

One of the studies included in the EIA states that the cessation of bunkering and a fish farm in the Sikka l-Bajda environs, would translate into an improvement of sediment and seawater quality. 

But the same studies also showed a negative impact of the windfarm’s foundations on underlying posidonia meadows. The windfarm would also have had a major negative impact on the neighbouring Shearwater bird colony.