Gozo cannot improve accessibility without Mġarr Harbour upgrade, chamber warns

The Gozo Business Chamber has called for major upgrades to Mġarr Harbour, warning that the island cannot improve its long-term accessibility without significant infrastructural investment.

In a document published ahead of the general election, the chamber said the port should be upgraded through additional operational land and marshalling capacity, better segregation between passenger and freight flows, improved facilities for commercial vehicles and cleaner ferry infrastructure.

The chamber also proposed improved integration with public transport and measures to strengthen the harbour’s resilience during peak demand and disruptions.

The proposals form part of a broader strategy titled “A Strategic Framework for Gozo’s Economic Resilience and Future Development”, which outlines the chamber’s vision for Gozo’s governance, connectivity and economic diversification.

The chamber argued Gozo’s accessibility challenges should not be viewed solely through the lens of ferry frequency or short-term service improvements, but as a structural issue impacting business continuity, tourism, freight reliability and quality of life.

Among the proposals is the development of a Gozo Integrated Accessibility and Logistics Masterplan, which would include a dedicated logistics hub near the planned rural airfield, an alternative fast ferry landing facility in Marsalforn and a second road link to Mġarr Harbour, preferably through a tunnel.

The chamber also insisted the possibility of a permanent link between Malta and Gozo should remain safeguarded as a long-term strategic option.

On governance, the chamber called for a “mature national discussion” on greater regional autonomy for Gozo, arguing decisions affecting the island should be taken closer to the communities and businesses impacted by them.

It said the next legislature should focus on three key priorities: stronger regional governance, an integrated accessibility and logistics framework, and a structured economic diversification strategy centred on innovation, enterprise and start-ups.

The chamber also proposed formally designating Gozo as an “Island Hub for Innovation, Investment and Start-Ups”, backed by targeted incentives and support schemes for emerging businesses.

Potential growth sectors identified by the chamber include artificial intelligence-enabled business solutions, cybersecurity, green technologies, medtech, aviation-related services and digital media.

The document also calls for the Gozo Innovation Hub to be repositioned as a platform for start-ups and scale-ups, with subsidised access for early-stage firms and stronger links between industry and education providers.