The government has announced the addition of two new ships to the Gozo Channel fleet as part of a €130 million investment that will expand the service to five vessels, including a dedicated cargo ship.
During a press conference at the Ministry for Gozo, Ministers Clint Camilleri, Silvio Schembri and Chris Bonett announced that the plan is for the five-vessel Gozo Channel service to be operational in around three and a half years.
Four ships will serve passengers and vehicles, while another will be dedicated to cargo transport, with a total investment of around €130 million.
Minister Camilleri said that the current three owned Gozo Channel vessels - each with a capacity of 150 cars - will be retained, as they are in good condition.
However, he said the government will continue to invest in them.
Camilleri said this forms part of a long-term plan for Gozo's connectivity, the work on which began around three years ago through detailed studies, including on how the Gozo Channel fleet can meet demand and improve operational efficiency.
Minister Schembri said the two new vessels, which will be newly built, will have capacities of 250 cars and 75 cars respectively.
The cargo service, he said, will operate between the Freeport and Ras Ħanżir in Malta and the island of Gozo.
Minister Bonett said the cargo vessel will carry vehicles longer than 12 metres.
During the press conference, It was also announced that a naval architect will be engaged. This naval architect would provide guidance on the most suitable types of vessels for the country's needs.
They also said that in the coming days a task force will be launched to address, among other matters, the necessary improvements in accessibility at Mgarr Port and in other areas of Gozo that could serve as additional connectivity facilities.
The task force will include representatives from the Gozo and Transport ministries as well as key stakeholders.
Gozo Business Chamber welcomes news
The Gozo Business Chamber in a statement welcomed the developments announced regarding the investment in transport services between Malta and Gozo, which foresee that by 2029 the fleet, operating between the two islands, will comprise four passenger vessels and one cargo vessel.
"This represents an important development, reflecting both the substantial increase in traffic between the two islands and the positive economic momentum registered in recent years. Such a long-term plan provides greater certainty for the local community as well as for the business sector in the years ahead," the Gozo Business Chamber said.
"The Chamber also notes the investment in two new vessels, which are expected to provide greater operational flexibility to Gozo Channel. Furthermore, the introduction of a service between the Malta Freeport and Gozo is a significant step, reflecting the growing number of Gozitan companies expanding their operations, alongside increasing import and export volumes."
The Chamber also welcomes the establishment of the task force announced in the Budget, which is expected to be launched in the coming days and will focus on accessibility at the Mġarr Harbour. This initiative is essential to ensure that the investment announced today delivers the maximum possible impact.