The predominant wind direction is the Northwest, for the reason that the Maltese Islands lie in the westerly trade wind zone. An analysis shows that the windiest months of the year are between early October and late February, when gale force winds are quite common.
During Week 16 of this year – 2024 strong wind was here forcing several vessels sheltering while calling for services and Wednesday 17th April with wind was blowing 56 km/h (Force 7). Harbour Pilot & local tugs PAWLINA and SEA SALVOR were busy at the Grand Harbour and 3 out of 4 ships were seen inside for the first time –
First one to enter was the 2013 built bulker STAR DORADO that passed breakwaters at 0923 hrs in ballast condition berthing at Magazine Wharf for underwater inspection –
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/star-dorado-17-04-2024/
She left Valletta on Friday 19th April at 1823 hrs assisted by 1 tug – SEA SALVOR bound to Syros, Greece.
Second vessel was the 2008 built offshore tug/supply ship ASSO VENTINOVE passing breakwaters at 1143 hrs berthing at MMH Facilities.
The second maiden call was the arrival of the 2011 built general cargo ship JSP PORTO that passed breakwaters at 1344 hrs berthing at MMH Facilities assisted by 2 tugs –
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/jsp-porto-17-04-2024/
She left harbour on Thursday 18th April at 1534 hrs assisted by 2 tugs bound to Bunkering Area 3.
And the third maiden call was of the 1998 built general cargo ship BREB MUKRAN (Strange in blue hull as normally Interscan vessels are green hull) that passed breakwaters at 1504 hrs assisted with tug SEA SALVOR and berthing at DWQ 2 for uplifting bunkers.
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/breb-mukran-17-04-2024/
She left in the evening bound to Chioggia, Italy passing breakwaters at 2036 hrs.
