Roland Marina

Roland Yacht Centre is the practical choice. It’s a boatyard first and a marina second, and it doesn’t pretend otherwise. If you want marble pontoons and a poolside bar, this isn’t it. If you need a travel lift, skilled contractors, competitive dry storage, and access to most of the specialist marine services available in Malta, Roland is exactly where you want to be.

The yard sits in the Marsa area, close to the southern end of Grand Harbour, which makes it surprisingly accessible for a working boatyard. Valletta is nearby. The road connections for parts deliveries and contractor access are good. Most of the marine engineers, fibreglass specialists, riggers, and electronics technicians who work across Malta either operate from within the yard or maintain close relationships with it.

Haul-Out Facility

The travel lift at Roland handles vessels up to around 80 tonnes and 15 metres beam, which covers the vast majority of cruising yachts and motorboats using Maltese waters. Haul-out is straightforward if you book in advance. The yard operates on a schedule, and turning up without a booking hoping for a slot in the lift isn’t a strategy that usually works, particularly in spring and autumn when demand peaks.

Once hauled, the yard provides pressure washing and bottom treatment through its own team or through contracted specialists on site. The blocked storage area is well-managed and boats are securely chocked. Short-term haul-outs for antifouling and hull inspection and longer winter layups are both routine here.

Dry Storage

Dry storage at Roland is extensive and covered options are available for smaller vessels. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to keep a boat in Malta over the winter if you don’t need it in the water. The yard has good security and a track record of looking after boats that are laid up for extended periods. Many owners do a winter haul-out in October, leave the boat for four to five months, and return in spring to have it anti-fouled and launched.

Chandlery

Roland’s on-site chandlery is one of the better-stocked in Malta. It’s not enormous, but it carries the core stock of running rigging, hardware, antifouling paint, engine filters, and safety equipment that most owners need for maintenance work. Staff know boats and they give useful answers rather than sending you to a product catalogue. For specialist items not in stock, they can usually source quickly from European suppliers.

Contractors on Site

The yard works with a wide range of independent contractors covering hull and fibreglass repair, marine electrical and electronics, mechanical and engine work, rigging and spar repair, upholstery, and painting. Some of these contractors work exclusively from Roland; others work across multiple sites in Malta. The yard office can usually provide introductions or recommendations for the type of work you need. Getting the right contractor is often faster here than anywhere else in Malta.

Marina Berths

Water berths are available alongside the boatyard, primarily oriented toward boats that are actively being worked on or that have just been launched. It’s not set up as a marina destination in the tourism sense. Rates are practical and the focus is on turnover for the yard rather than long-term marina income. For owners who want a berth closer to the center of Malta for daily use, Roland is better used as the maintenance base while a marina like Manoel Island or Grand Harbour Marina handles the residential berthing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the maximum size vessel Roland can haul out? The travel lift handles up to approximately 80 tonnes and 15 metres beam. Contact the yard for specific vessel dimensions before booking.

How far in advance should I book a haul-out? At least two to three weeks in advance in peak periods (spring and autumn). Winter slots are generally more flexible. Don’t leave it to the week before.

Can I work on my own boat in the yard? Yes, subject to yard rules and safety requirements. Owner-worked boats are common at Roland and the yard accommodates DIY maintenance.

Does Roland have a café or facilities for owners working in the yard? Basic facilities are on site. The Marsa area has several cafés and a supermarket within a short drive for those spending full days at the yard.

Marina Information