It is not the first time that former Italian law Enforcement marine units are seen in Maltese Territorial Waters and back to March, 2021, two former Guardia Di Finanza (GDF) Corrubia Class Patrol Craft were towed/brought to Malta by the 1982 built Italian flag and owned tugboat MACISTONE for further service as an Anti Piracy Vessels at West Africa.
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/macistone-towing-04-03-2021/
Local tug GOZZO was ready to assist and towing the former GDF Patrol Craft from off Grand Harbour (o/gh) to MMH Facilities at Marsa. First one to go was BASTION 4 the former G 97 FAIS.
She was built by Cantieri Navali del Golfo di Gaeta , Italy in 1995 as Corrubia Class II and used to be based at Venice (2013) with 94 tons as displacement and she was the 5th unit out of 11 of her class.
At 1620 hrs she passed breakwaters , towed to MMH.
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/bastion-4-04-03-2021/
Then it was BASTION 5 turn, that was the G 100 LIPPI built in 1996 by Crestitalia Srl and was based at Napoli (2015).
Of which at 1727 hrs she passed breakwaters towed by tug GOZZO –
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/gozzo-04-03-2021/ and here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/bastion-5-04-03-2021/
Once the convoy was secured at MMH Facilities, it was the tug’s turn to enter Grand Harbour of which MACISTONE passed breakwaters at 1816 hrs .
She was built in Italy by Cantiere Navale Tommasi at Ancona as yard no 43 and used to be based at Messina, Sicily working for Capieci Spa, Italy and in 2019 she was acquired with the current company TECNOLOGIE MARITTIME SRL and her name remained the same though her homeport was changed,
More images can be found here – https://maltashipphotos.com/photo/macistone-04-03-2021/
Husbandry agent for this operation was Sullivan Shipping – www.sullivanshipping.com.mt
