Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542644
4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 16 JANUARY 2026 NEWS CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 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 Free- port, 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 ves- sel 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 Fer- ry 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 is- sue still need to be conducted. Nationalist Party: "Better later than never" The Nationalist Party wel- comed the news, "even if we have to wait at least another three years" for the new vessels to ar- rive. It said the announcement came a few days after a press confer- ence 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 ap- proaching, trying to show that it is doing something," it said. "We only hope that this is not yet an- other Silly Season promise, and that the Minister for Finance – who was not present for today's briefing with journalists – has approved these announced pro- jects." Labour Party: 'Studies on new Gozo Channel vessels began over two years ago' The Labour Party said studies on a plan to introduce two new Gozo Channel vessels started more than two years ago, as it announced a major investment aimed at strengthening connec- tivity between Malta and Gozo. The party confirmed that the project, estimated to cost around €130 million, is intended to im- prove the ferry service and meet increasing demand from resi- dents, students, workers, tour- ists and businesses travelling be- tween the two islands. The announcement follows comments by the Nationalist Party, which claimed the propos- al reflected ideas put forward by the Opposition Leader. The par- ty rejected this, stating that feasi- bility studies on the project had already been underway well be- fore the current PN leader took office. According to the party, the ad- dition of two vessels forms part of a broader strategy to upgrade transport links as Gozo contin- ues to attract more residents and visitors. No timeline for the delivery of the new vessels has yet been an- nounced. Gozo Business Chamber welcomes development The Gozo Business Chamber has welcomed the development, saying it reflects both the sub- stantial increase in traffic be- tween the two islands and the positive economic momentum registered in recent years. "Such a long-term plan pro- vides 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 operation- al flexibility to Gozo Channel. Furthermore, the introduction of a service between the Malta Freeport and Gozo is a signifi- cant 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 fo- cus on accessibility at the Mġarr Harbour. "This initiative is es- sential to ensure that the invest- ment 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 advo- cated for the fleet's expansion. "This commitment is particu- larly 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 in- ter-island transport," the associ- ation said. However, it insisted inter-is- land connectivity cannot be ad- dressed solely through the addi- tion 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, especial- ly the routes leading to and from Mġarr, must be upgraded to meet future traffic flows," it said. Government will commission the upgrade of Gozo Channel's three ferries With the planned changes, a total of four vessels will cross between Cirkewwa and Mgarr, one vessel will carry cargo from Malta to Gozo, and the Fast Ferry will remain in place (Photo: maltainfoguide.com)