The majority of vessels are of traditional build i.e. luzzu and kajjik. The kajjik is the most prevalent vessel, there being two and a half times as many as there are luzzus. Following the Kajjik, the Multi-Purpose vessel is the most common. There are only a limited number of trawlers, most of which are under 24 metres in length and use a “Mazzara” type of trawl net.

Multi-purpose vessel

The MPV’s have an average overall length of 8 metres. These vessels are a relatively recent addition to the fleet, and the average age is twelve years. This is reflected in the hull material, with the majority being made of fibreglass whilst the remainder being constructed of wooden planking, and to a lesser degree marine plywood. The average gross tonnage is 4.6 mt and the average power is 78 kw.

Luzzu

The luzzu is the foremost traditional fishing vessel. It is pointed at both ends and is painted in characteristic bright colours. (Before the introduction of modern registration the colour of the prow used to indicate the home port of each particular boat). The average overall length is 6.7 metres and the hull material is wood. These vessels have been the mainstay of the fleet in times gone by and their average age is 37 years old. The average GT is half that of the MPV i.e. 2.3 mt, and subsequently the average power is 30 kW.

Kajjik

The Kajjik differs from the luzzu in being generally smaller (average length 4.6 metres) and being flat ended at the stern. Previously, they were made of wood, but in recent years fibreglass has been the material of choice, with the consequence that at present, with the average age being 19 years, there are marginally more fibreglass Kajjiks than wooden ones. With an average GT of 1, the average power is only 17 kW.