Gibraltar’s government has awarded a 25-year Design–Build–Finance–Operate (DBFO) contract to ECO Waters Ltd for the construction and long-term operation of an urban wastewater treatment plant at Europa Point’s Brewery Crusher site.

Initially tendered on June 7, 2023, ECO Waters was confirmed as the preferred bidder on September 7, 2023, following a thorough evaluation process. The facility will be designed to handle Gibraltar’s saline sewage—a significant technical challenge due to its use of seawater in sanitary systems—and will include advanced environmental safeguards such as odor control and stormwater management. Preliminary site clearance and preparatory works are already in motion, with detailed contract negotiations currently underway before formal award and construction commences. This initiative represents a landmark infrastructure investment to finally address Gibraltar's long-standing commitment—first made in 2011—for a domestic wastewater treatment capability.