Gozo Channel to have four ships in fleet by 2029

Updated with NGOs and PN reaction 

Gozo Channel will have two new ferries in 2029, government has announced. 

This was announced amid other measures that form part of government’s strategy to enhance the connectivity between Malta and Gozo.

One of the ferries will be able to carry 250 vehicles at once and will cost €65 million, as this ship will be used during the peak hours of traffic between the two islands. 

The other ship will be able to carry 75 vehicles at a time, and will cost €45 million. The current vessels in the Gozo Channel fleet carry 150 vehicles. 

With regard to the company’s existing three ships, these will undergo a €20 million upgrade over a six-year period. 

One of the ships will be tweaked to carry large cargo vehicles, as this vessel will have two daily trips that will dock at the Freeport, Ras Ħanżir in Corradino, and the Mġarr harbour. It was explained that the frequency may be doubled during peak periods.

On the subject of the notorious MV Nikolaos which is currently being leased by Gozo Channel, government announced that it will issue a call to lease a new vessel in the coming months. 

With the planned changes, a total of four vessels will cross between Ċirkewwa and Mġarr, one vessel will carry cargo from Malta to Gozo, and the Fast Ferry service will remain in place. Meanwhile, it was said that new connections to Gozo from Sliema and Buġibba are being developed.

The new fleet will take around three and a half years to be fully operational. 

During a press conference on Wednesday, it was explained that some of the vessels may be electrified, but studies on the issue still need to be conducted.

Nationalist Party: “Better later than never”

The Nationalist Party welcomed the news, “even if we have to wait at least another three years” for the new vessels to arrive.

It said the announcement came a few days after a press conference it organised following long waiting times during the festive period.

“It is a pity that 13 years were wasted before the Government took this decision and that, after burdening Gozitans and Maltese with a second-hand vessel like the Nikolaos for so many years, it is now, because an election is approaching, trying to show that it is doing something,” it said. “We only hope that this is not yet another Silly Season promise, and that the Minister for Finance – who was not present for today’s briefing with journalists – has approved these announced projects.”

Gozo Business Chamber welcomes development

The Gozo Business Chamber has welcomed the development, saying it reflects 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,” it 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 welcomed 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.”

Gozo Tourism Association welcomes announcement of additional ferries

The Gozo Tourism Association welcomed the announcement, saying it has consistently advocated for the fleet’s expansion.

“This commitment is particularly significant in light of the high demand experienced on the channel crossings during the first days of the new year, which highlighted the urgent need for consistency and reliability in inter-island transport,” the association said.

However, it insisted inter-island connectivity cannot be addressed solely through the addition of ferries.

“Complementary investment in infrastructure is now essential. Berths capable of accommodating five vessels must be developed at both Mġarr and Ċirkewwa to ensure smooth operations. Furthermore, with the expected increase in demand brought about by the expanded fleet, the road network, especially the routes leading to and from Mġarr, must be upgraded to meet future traffic flows,” it said.