Gozo Channel’s New Ferry: What It Means for Passengers

Imagine the Mediterranean, its waves lapping against the rugged shores of Malta’s sister island, Gozo. Now, picture this: the bustling Mgarr Harbour, where the Gozo Channel ferries usually depart, suddenly with one less vessel. That’s the reality we’re facing, as the company has issued a call for tender to lease a fourth ferry. But why, and what does this mean for our island’s lifeline?

Why the Need for a Fourth Ferry?

The Gozo Channel Company has been operating with three vessels – the ‘RoRo 1’, ‘RoRo 2’, and ‘RoRo 3’ – for years. However, the increasing demand, especially during peak seasons, has led to overcrowding and long waiting times. The company has been vocal about the need for an additional vessel to ease the pressure and improve service.

With over 1.7 million passengers and 600,000 vehicles crossing the channel annually, it’s no surprise that the current fleet struggles to keep up. The new ferry is expected to significantly reduce waiting times, especially during peak hours, and provide a more comfortable journey for passengers.

What’s the Plan for the New Ferry?

The tender, which closed on the 28th of February, sought a vessel that could carry at least 1,200 passengers and 200 vehicles. The successful bidder will lease the ferry to the Gozo Channel Company for a period of 10 years, with an option to extend for another 5 years.

But it’s not just about capacity. The new ferry is also expected to be more eco-friendly, with the tender specifying that the vessel should meet the latest environmental standards. This is a significant step towards reducing the carbon footprint of our island’s transport network.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

In the short term, not much will change. The new ferry won’t be operational until late 2023, at the earliest. But once it is, passengers can expect shorter waiting times, especially during peak seasons. The new ferry will also provide additional capacity for vehicles, which should help reduce the long queues often seen at the Gozo ferry terminals.

For those who prefer a more comfortable journey, the new ferry promises to offer improved facilities. While the specifics are yet to be announced, we can expect more seating, better amenities, and perhaps even additional services like Wi-Fi or onboard entertainment.