The Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri; the Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri and the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett, have announced a long-term plan for connectivity between the two islands. Following a study initiated in November 2023, a plan has been devised to ensure transport efficiency between Malta and Gozo. Under this plan, by 2029, the fleet operating between the islands will consist of four passenger vessels and one dedicated cargo ship.
The primary objective of this plan is to establish a fleet capable of meeting demand while ensuring long-term resilience for travel between the islands. The study identified the need for a new large ship with a capacity of 250 cars to be utilised during periods of high demand, as well as a second, smaller new ship with a capacity of 75 cars to serve during periods of lower demand. These will operate alongside the three existing ships (which hold 150 cars each), which will undergo retrofitting. Additionally, a dedicated ship will be introduced to transport cargo between the Freeport, the Grand Harbour, and Gozo.
In the coming weeks, an international naval architecture firm will be appointed to draft the specifications for the ships. A task force will also be launched to address the infrastructure at Mġarr Port. The project, excluding the Mġarr port infrastructure, is expected to cost €130 million. The operation of the two new vessels is projected to commence at the beginning of 2029.
Minister Silvio Schembri stated that, “Travel between the two islands is consistently increasing; therefore, the transport service between the islands must reflect this reality and remain resilient. This plan aligns step-by-step with Malta Vision 2050, emphasising sustainable growth, infrastructural improvement, and urban development. This will allow us to continue attracting quality jobs to Gozo while promoting the unique Gozitan identity.”
Minister Clint Camilleri stated that, “Today, we have launched a plan for the coming years regarding accessibility for the island of Gozo, one that is factual and long-term. Just as we strengthened accessibility to Gozo in the past through Gozo Channel ships and the Fast Ferry, today we are looking beyond that. Through the acquisition of two new ships, one with a capacity of 250 cars and a smaller one, we aim to cater to peak periods when such capacity is required. This new fleet will also facilitate cargo routes between Mġarr Port, the Freeport, and Ras Ħanżir. This is being done with a plan so that for many years to come, we are prepared for Gozo’s accessibility needs, factoring in the growth in transport and visitor numbers. We are achieving success, and it is now up to us to plan ahead so that these successes can continue to be realized through the accessibility that is vital for an island like Gozo.”
Minister Chris Bonett stated that the Ministries have worked together in synergy to devise a plan that improves connectivity between Gozo and Malta. “Through the ‘Reshaping our Mobility’ plan, we are also implementing measures to better organise transport in our country. The cargo ferry proposal represents a reduction of 11,000 trips on Maltese roads currently undertaken by commercial vehicles exceeding 12 meters in length. This route is intended to depart from the Freeport and the Grand Harbour to alleviate pressure on Ċirkewwa, improve logistical operations for freight companies, and reduce congestion and pollution in urban areas within Malta.”
Photo (MEEP/MGP/MTIP)
