The Energy and Water Agency proudly supports the launch of Malta’s first fixed ocean sensing platform, BLUE (Buoy for Long-term Underwater Exploration). This is an initiative led by the Oceanography Malta Research Group (OMRG) at the University of Malta.
Officially inaugurated on 4 July 2025, the BLUE platform marks a major leap forward in Malta’s marine monitoring capabilities and represents a significant national investment in sustainable oceanographic research and marine policy support. This development forms part of Action C.16 of the LIFE-IP RBMP Project, a flagship initiative coordinated by EWA in collaboration with the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA).
The launch event brought together key national stakeholders and dignitaries, including Minister Dr Miriam Dalli, University of Malta Rector Prof. Alfred Vella, senior officials from the Agency and ERA, AFM, Transport Malta, Ambjent Malta, the Continental Shelf Department, MEP Peter Agius, and former EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella. Following the ceremony, the Armed Forces of Malta facilitated a visit to the deployed platform, highlighting their integral role in the operation.
Anchored 3.7 km off the Grand Harbour, BLUE is strategically positioned to gather continuous, high-resolution data on marine and atmospheric conditions. It enhances Malta’s capacity to meet obligations under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Water Framework Directive (WFD), supporting environmental policy and decision-making with real-time scientific data.
Dr Michael Schembri, Chief Policy Officer at the Energy and Water Agency, praised the collaborative efforts of all the entities involved in this and other actions within the 17-million-euro project, LIFE-IP RBMP Malta, led by EWA and co-financed by the LIFE Programme, bringing together the expertise of 7 local beneficiaries sharing technical knowledge, aiming at enhancing Malta’s water and marine management.
Dr Adam Gauci, lecturer at the Department of Geosciences and the BLUE initiative coordinator, stressed the importance of understanding marine conditions to guide sustainable resource management. BLUE is part of a broader network managed by the University, including radar stations, wave buoys, and sea level monitors—supported by projects like CALYPSO and i-waveNET.
Prof. Alan Deidun, OMRG coordinator, highlighted the collaboration behind BLUE, made possible through Action C.16 of the LIFE-IP RBMP Project, led by EWA with ERA support. Maintaining BLUE operationally requires an annual investment of €50,000.
Ms Miraine Rizzo from ERA noted that BLUE will strengthen decision-making by providing vital data on coastal conditions, supporting predictive models, and policies aimed at achieving good environmental status in Malta’s waters.
EWA remains committed to supporting initiatives like BLUE, which are important for advancing evidence-based environmental management and protecting Malta’s marine and water resources for future generations.
More information on LIFE-IP RBMP: https://energywateragency.gov.mt/life-ip-rbmp/
