The sole bidder which won the rights to operate a Malta-Comino ferry for at least 15 years has emphasised the cooperative's environmentally-friendly investments, as smaller operators work to block the tender deal in court.
Comino Ferries Coop spokesman Mark Bajada, one of the seven members of the Comino Coop, has been operating a small ferry between the two islands for over 20 years, said that 10 boats currently used by the coop will be reduced to two since the new vessels – designed by Maltese naval architects and marine engineers – will be larger and better equipped to operate this route in a more professional manner.
Bajada said: “These will be the first hybrid vessels to operate in Maltese waters and are designed using the latest technology. The vessels will operate in full electric mode when in the vicinity of Comino, Marfa and Cirkewwa – meaning zero emissions and zero noise around the bay areas – and with reduced drag to minimise wake.”
Comino Ferries Coop was the only operator to bid for a tender issued by Transport Malta last July for a single entity to run the Comino ferry service from Marfa and Cirkewwa – finally putting an end to the free-for-all situation that has led to countless disputes in and out of court in front of visitors.
Bajada said: “There has been a lot of misinformation in the media on this issue from operators who decided not to bid for the Transport Malta tender issued last year to provide a scheduled service between two points in Malta – Marfa and Cirkewwa – and Comino, because they want anarchy to reign.
“We decided to invest €5 million of our own money in new ferries and facilities and are now coming under attack for seeking to improve the visitor experience. We ask: would it be fair for us to take all risk and for other operators to operate the same routes without spending a penny? Our livelihood is at stake.”
Contrary to claims, exclusivity is restricted to departures from Marfa and Cirkewwa, while pick-ups for the purposes of pleasure, fishing or diving are not affected.
The new, fully air-conditioned vessels will be equipped with waste handling facilities, baggage stowage, WIFI and be fully accessible to people with disabilities. Meanwhile, external seating will be covered to provide protection from sunlight.
Comino Ferries Coop was the only operator to bid for a tender issued by Transport Malta last July for a single entity to run the Comino ferry service from Marfa and Ċirkewwa. The service will offer ferry rides to both the Blue Lagoon and Santa Marija Bay.
The ferry service has for years operated as an open market, with no regulation to limit operators or enforce service standards.
Other operators of Comino ferry services this month have complained that the deal will threaten their livelihoods. Last week, they filed an application for an injunction in court. It was upheld and the tender was suspended.