Infrastructure Malta is spearheading a new wave of innovation in national infrastructure, from powering berthed cruise liners with the local grid to constructing deep flood relief tunnels and using precast concrete for efficient, eco-friendly builds.

Infrastructure Malta is employing a range of innovative techniques in its maritime, flood prevention, and transport projects around Malta, demonstrating both technical ingenuity and sustainability.

1. Shore-to-Ship Electricity Supply for Cruise Liners:
   One of the more ambitious environmental innovations is providing onshore power supply (also called cold ironing) at quays for cruise ships. Instead of having vessels idle with diesel or heavy fuel oil engines running while berthed, the ships can plug into the local grid. This dramatically reduces air pollution, including greenhouse gas and particulate emissions, with reported reductions of up to 90%. To implement this, high-voltage underground cable networks have been laid, subsea cables in some areas, and frequency converter stations have been built near quays to ensure compatibility and safety.
2. Flood Relief Tunnels & Catchment Management:
   Flooding has long been an issue in several Maltese localities. The National Flood Relief Project is an example of large underground tunnels, culverts, and soakaway reservoirs built to intercept stormwater from surface runoff and direct it safely to outfalls in the sea. These systems work at scale, with tunnels reaching depths of tens of metres and linking multiple catchment basins. Additionally, surface-intercepting culverts and underground oil/grit interceptors improve water quality and safety.
3. Precast & Prestressed Concrete in Buildings & Transport Infrastructure:
   Infrastructure Malta is increasingly using precast and prestressed concrete elements (slabs, beams, hollow-core roofing, predalle slabs) to speed up construction, reduce onsite formwork, increase quality control, and minimise environmental impact. The Mrieħel Underpass project, for instance, used precast concrete panels and prestressed beams for the structure, lifting heavy beams for the roof slab.

Maritime & Coastal Protection Works with Diver Assist & Precast Modules:
In quays, breakwaters, and wave walls, Infrastructure Malta is using large precast concrete blocks, concrete piles, and modular structures, often with underwater works assisted by divers to speed deployment and ensure strength. The Qrejten Breakwater in Marsaxlokk is one example where it was built from hundreds of precast concrete blocks, placed underwater and levelled, with boulders for added wave attenuation and reinforced with wave walls.