Gozo Business Chamber welcomes new fast ferry route, calls for broader infrastructure investment

The Gozo Business Chamber has welcomed the inauguration of a new fast ferry service connecting Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo, describing it as a positive step towards improving the island’s accessibility and easing pressure on existing routes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (today), the Chamber noted that the new service is expected to reduce congestion on the Valletta–Mġarr route while creating fresh economic opportunities for Gozo.

The Chamber said the development should “help reduce the existing pressure on the service between Valletta and Mġarr, while creating new opportunities for Gozo and enhancing accessibility to the island.”

However, it stressed that additional measures are needed to support long-term connectivity and economic resilience. Among these, the Chamber highlighted the need for the expansion of the Gozo Channel fleet and the introduction of a service linking Gozo to the Malta Freeport.

It also pointed to growing infrastructure demands, particularly at Mġarr Harbour, arguing that an extension project is becoming increasingly critical as maritime traffic rises.

“With this increase in services, the need for the extension of Mġarr Harbour will become even more evident and is now becoming a crucial project,” the Chamber said.

Beyond maritime infrastructure, the Chamber called for complementary investments, including the development of a logistics hub and the construction of a second road to strengthen the island’s transport resilience.

It reiterated that the long-debated permanent link between Malta and Gozo should remain under consideration as a long-term solution.

The Chamber concluded by urging policymakers to adopt a consistent, long-term approach to Gozo’s development, stressing that accessibility should be treated as a necessity rather than a privilege.

“Gozo deserves a long-term vision that goes beyond political cycles and enjoys consensus from all sides of the political spectrum,” it said.