Gozo Channel receives two offers to temporarily replace Nikolaos ship

Two companies have expressed their interest to provide Gozo Channel with the chartering of a fourth ferry between Malta and Gozo, the Gozo Ministry announced. 

The move is expected to replace the current Nikolaos ship. The contract, if awarded, will run for an initial period of two years.

The additional vessel is intended to support rising passenger and vehicle demand on the busy route, while ensuring continuity of service as the existing fleet—comprising the Ta’ Pinu, Gaudos and Nikolaos—continues operations.

The ministry said that the evaluation process for the offers is set to begin "in the coming days and weeks."

The chartering, the ministry explained, is a temporary arrangement until Gozo Channel Operations purchases two new ships to be permanently added to its fleet.

Last January, government announced its intention to have two new ferries in the Gozo Channel fleet by 2029. 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.