Tender evaluation on fourth Gozo ferry near completion

The tender evaluation for a new Gozo channel ferry, which will replace the current Nikolaos ferry, is nearing completion, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri has announced.

“We must ensure that we leave the generations that follow us a port and other facilities for the next 50 years,” Camilleri said. He outlined the ferry plans as part of a €141 million allocation for the island, which he described as its largest ever and represents an increase of more than €19 million, or 15.7%, over 2026.

Alongside the replacement ferry, Camilleri said a pre-qualification questionnaire would be issued in the final quarter of this year as part of preparations to build new vessels for the Gozo Channel.

He also highlighted a permanent scheme to reimburse accommodation costs for Gozitans stranded in Malta by extreme weather. The ministry launched the scheme during the legislature's first 100 days. Camilleri said the daily needs of Gozitans travelling between the islands remained central to the government’s transport plans.

Maltese and Gozitans who travel on foot would benefit from free travel on the Gozo Channel, he confirmed.

Tourist ticket prices on both the Gozo Channel and the fast ferry would also change, Camilleri said. "Visitors should contribute towards the impact of tourism on the island's infrastructure," he said, noting that both services already receive government subsidies.

He said the government wanted to balance accessibility, tourism competitiveness and the sustainability of the services.

The minister also pointed to an expanded fast ferry timetable between Mġarr and Valletta and a new service linking Gozo with Buġibba and Sliema. He said the services had recorded record arrivals.

However, changes to the fleet would need to be accompanied by investment in the harbour itself.

Camilleri said Mġarr harbour had reached its capacity after serving Gozo for 50 years. A task force established earlier in 2026 has completed a preliminary strategic assessment and consulted stakeholders.

Electricity supply and infrastructure across Gozo

Gozo will receive stronger connections with Malta, which will also be extended to electricity infrastructure, Camilleri said, referring to Enemalta's plans, which include 15 new distribution centres across Malta and Gozo.

This includes two 33kV cables between the islands, to be laid in the near term, followed by a 132kV interconnector. He said these investments would improve the security and reliability of Gozo’s electricity supply and prepare the island for future demand.

On roads, the budget allocates €10 million for arterial and residential routes in Gozo. This would support the programme to rebuild 100 residential roads over three years, alongside work on the Victoria–Marsalforn road and roads in Nadur and Qala.

The ministry also plans to expand the Ta’ Xħajma park and ride service. Following the introduction of a route to Mġarr harbour, it would work towards routes to central Victoria and seasonal summer services from Marsalforn and Xlendi.

Camilleri said these services aimed to ease traffic and encourage collective transport. The government would also continue developing safe cycle lanes and walking routes between villages, together with more bicycle parking.

Camilleri also said the recently opened helipad would support helicopter transfers between Gozo General Hospital and Mater Dei, reducing patient transfer times.

A scheme launching next year would encourage landowners and farmers to plant indigenous trees along main roads, starting with the Victoria–Marsalforn road and later expanding to other localities.

Investment in Victoria’s Sports and Aquatic Pavilion would continue, aiming to attract competitions, training camps and national and international events. The ministry would work with sporting federations and Sport Malta to increase use.

Camilleri highlighted measures introduced in the legislature’s first 100 days to help older Gozitans use the pavilion and join tailored physical activity and sports programmes. Further investment would modernise Żebbuġ’s shooting facilities into a complex for training and high-level competitions. The government would also support Gozitan athletes at the next Island Games.

Gozo still lacks an athletics track, which Camilleri called a remaining gap in its sports facilities. The ministry would begin selecting a site for one.

The Gozo Museum in Victoria would open shortly, joining nearby public facilities including the Sports and Aquatic Pavilion and primary and middle schools. Camilleri described it as an important centre for Gozo’s identity and heritage.

He also noted Victoria’s selection as European Capital of Culture for 2031, making it Europe’s smallest city to receive the title. The priority, he said, was to turn the cultural programme’s vision into action, with lasting benefits beyond 2031 and a central role for young people, artists and the wider community.

Review of Gozo's development strategy

Camilleri said government plans should balance economic growth and modern infrastructure with preserving Gozo's villages, communities, landscape and character. "The island had changed considerably over 13 years, with economic growth, infrastructure investment, improved connections and new facilities."

He pointed out that the ministry had launched a review of Gozo's Regional Development Strategy, three years after its publication. "It would assess progress, identify successes and areas for improvement, and set priorities reflecting community priorities and electoral commitments.

Camilleri linked the strategy to Malta Vision 2050, saying Gozo’s approach had helped inspire the national exercise. The €141 million allocation would support investment in transport, energy, the environment, education, sport and culture, while creating opportunities for young people and supporting workers and families.