Ministers Ian Borg and Clint Camilleri visited the latest ongoing works as part of the €2.5 million investment to build new terminals so that the fast ferry service can commence, as scheduled, on the 1st of June.
The two new ferry landing sites will have ticketing booths, a marshalling zone, as well as sheltered waiting areas and public toilets for passengers. Emergency equipment to ensure passengers’ safety will also be installed.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg mentioned how the fast ferry service will be another step forward in terms of maritime infrastructure and another demonstration of the government’s holistic vision for transport.
“Through this investment we will be boosting maritime infrastructure in our country. But not only that. The fast ferry service is another incentive for people to use other, more sustainable and cleaner means of transport, such as sea transport. We believe it will also be an incentive that will kickstart tourism once again in our country. Through the fast ferry we have also invested in those hundreds of Gozitan students and workers who travel daily to Malta for work or to University. We will not be only saving time for these people but we will actually give them more time on their hands to use it as they wish.”
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said that works on the quay and terminal in Mgarr continued even on Sundays so that it could be completed in a timely manner. He stated that “what we promised we will be fulfilling. We are a few days away from the first trip by fast ferry and eager to also see the first tourists crossing to Gozo through this means of transport.” He said that the fast ferry will not only be used by Gozitans working in Malta but will also attract more tourists who come to spend a few days on holiday in Malta to visit the island of Gozo. He concluded by saying that this is the kind of change that this government is creating because it truly believes in the potential that Gozo has and continues to work to facilitate the lives of Gozitans and attract investment to this island.
The fast ferry service will be taking passengers from Mgarr, Gozo to Valletta in less than 45 minutes. So far there are two confirmed operators that will offer this service. These are Gozo Fast Ferry and Virtu Ferries Fast Ferry.
Source: Office of the Prime Minister