Our ongoing maritime series has recently taken us from the likes of the incredible cruise liner MSC World Europa, to the explorer yacht MY Yersin, and now to the small but mighty Barklori.

Fenech & Fenech proudly represents L-Għaqda Barklori, the association of owners of the traditional Maltese wooden passage boats, id-dgħajjes tal-pass, in their negotiations with the Authority for Transport in Malta to improve the infrastructure used by the Barklori and to ensure the preservation of this precious piece of Malta’s cultural heritage.

Documented as far back as from the time of the Knights in Malta, the Barklori and their dgħajjes have been a staple part of the Grand Harbour and the Port of Marsamxett, originally being used to ferry passengers from vessels anchored within the harbours onto land, as well as ferry boats for passengers crossing the harbours. Today the dgħajjes tal-pass are used by locals and tourists alike, to ferry passengers across the harbours, with the barklori also providing scenic harbour tours, where passengers can enjoy the majesty of the fortifications and the break water up close.

Last week, our Maritime Team had the pleasure of accompanying representatives of L-Għaqda Barklori on a harbour cruise within the Grand Harbour. The President of the Association, Gerald Camilleri, provided a running commentary on the history of the port, pointing out little known facts relating to WWII and the British occupation in Malta. Camilleri now 71, explained how as a child he would accompany his father, also a barklor, on his dgħajsa tal-pass to sell bottles of soft drinks to navy ships anchored in the harbours. Together with the other Committee members, Camilleri has been a vocal advocate, fighting to ensure that the dgħajsa tal-pass is not relegated to a museum piece in the name of progress.

During a brief stop in Senglea, the Team also met up with another member of the association who walked them through the laborious process of maintaining these traditional wooden boats. The team were also shown the oldest surviving dgħajsa tal-pass, thought to be over 130 years old, still in operation through the care and dedication of its owner.

Fenech & Fenech is honoured to be standing alongside the Għaqda Barklori in their efforts to ensure that the dgħajsa tal-pass remains an alive, relevant and protected part of Malta’s proud maritime tradition. Many thanks to Gerald Camilleri, Lawrence Mizzi and Manuel Abela for hosting us and sharing their day with us.