A fourth ferry will be joining the Gozo Channel fleet to improve the transport service between the two islands, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana said.

Caruana said that last year she had spoken about the need to add a fourth vessel so as to meet the growing demands for the service between Malta and Gozo.

The ministry made contact with several international agencies in a bid to identify a vessel that was suitable for the service. The vessel that has been brought over can take up to 160 cars and 650 passengers at its full capacity.

She said that the fourth vessel, which has been leased for a definite period, will improve Gozo Channel’s efficiency. The schedule of trips between Malta and Gozo will now be changed.

Three of the vessels will be used for people and their vehicles while the fourth vessel will be used for transportation of cargo.

The company is also seeking to introduce a fast ferry service, but the situation is at a standstill because of an ongoing court case.