Manoel Island Yacht Yard

Manoel Island Yacht Yard, known as MIYY, is one of the oldest established yacht repair yards in the Mediterranean. It sits on Manoel Island in Gżira, in the sheltered water of Sliema Creek, and it works on superyachts that need repairs, refits, conversions or servicing. The yard can slip vessels of up to 50 metres and 500 tonnes, and carry out work afloat on yachts of up to 100 metres.

For UK owners, captains and charter managers, the draw is a single site with workshops, project managers and storage in one place, close to Valletta. The yard appears in our directories of boat repair in Malta and marina services in Malta.

A yard with a long history

MIYY began as part of the British Admiralty shipyards in Malta, in the early 1800s, and its site carries archive photographs from the 1880s, 1959 and 1961 showing steamships, a mine-sweeping squadron and Royal Navy destroyers at Sliema Creek. The yard has kept those traditional skills while adopting modern techniques, and its approach is flexible, with an attitude that anything is possible and a firm focus on keeping promises.

That naval heritage is part of the story of the harbours around Valletta, which our Knights of Malta guide and Three Cities guide explore in more depth.

Services: paint, steel, hydraulics and engineering

Hull and superstructure spray painting and antifouling form a major part of the work. Antifouling is the coating applied below the waterline to stop marine growth, because sun, salt and over-polishing all wear down a yacht's finish, so a specialist team with proper facilities is a sensible choice. Secure storage and berthing, with 24-hour security, let owners leave a boat safely while it is being painted.

The stainless steel fabrication team cuts, bends, rolls and welds stainless steel, aluminium and mild steel to make deck fittings, mast fittings, stanchions, handrails and boarding ladders, and it designs bespoke pieces to order. A marine polishing service restores rusty fixtures and fittings. The hydraulics specialists maintain, repair and install power steering, stabilisers, thrusters, cranes, helipads, tender garages, doors, swim platforms and passerelles, and the yard recommends booking in advance.

Other trades on site include mechanical and electrical engineering, onboard systems, traditional carpentry, GRP gelcoat and carbon fibre work, upholstery and soft furnishings, and cabinet and furniture making. In-house project managers coordinate refits, and the team sets up planned maintenance with the yacht's crew in line with manufacturer guidelines, classification society rules and flag state requirements.

Why Malta and who works there

Malta lies in the heart of the Mediterranean, with mild weather and direct flights to major European cities, and it is a convenient stopover for 85% of the global superyacht fleet. The yard lists competitive rates, highly experienced craftsmen and dedicated project managers among its advantages. Staff are English-speaking and multilingual, and the yard is within walking distance of restaurants, gastropubs and shopping malls. Our Malta weather guide shows what to expect through the year.

If you are visiting while a project is under way, the Valletta guide and the Upper Barrakka Gardens give views across the harbour, and our guide to hotels in Sliema and Gżira covers where to stay nearby. Flights to Malta from the UK are covered separately, and our about Malta guide gives the wider picture of the islands.

Starting a project

Describe your yacht, its length and the work you have in mind, and say whether you need the slip or work afloat. The team will advise on the options and coordinate trades such as painting, fabrication and hydraulics, so one point of contact can follow the project through. Dedicated project managers give each job their full attention. To contact the yard, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to Manoel Island Yacht Yard.