New Valletta-Gozo ferries arrive in Malta

The new fast ferries that will be connecting Gozo to Valletta have arrived in Malta, with travel time expected to be cut to 45 minutes for up to 300 passengers at a time.

Built in 2018, the seacraft – named Your Faith and Your Wisdom – come equipped with the latest environmental technology and advanced navigation capabilities.

Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd, the company operating the fast ferries, had notified Transport Malta of its intention to offer this service after the market was liberalised.

“We have gone through great lengths to invest in quality, and our clients and the environment were foremost in our mind. In the coming days, we will be announcing our ferry schedules – once these are cleared by the authorities – together with a price mechanism that will be very competitive and attainable by all,” a spokesman for Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd said.

The company, backed by Bianchi Group and Merill Investments, said the two sister vessels, provided passenger safety equipment, a VIP section, wheelchair access, and enabled users to board with their bicycles.

The vessels, designed by world famous Australian company Incat Crowther, come equipped with a fully integrated bar to serve cold and warm products and feature onboard entertainment.

Free, on-board WiFi service is available throughout the voyage.

The trip between Mġarr, Gozo, to the Grand Harbour in Valletta is intended to form part of the company’s vision for multimodal transport, and Gozo Fast Ferry Ltd has been  collaborating with Malta Public Transport, the operator of the bus service, to ensure users — including those who hold a Tallinja Card — are offered a value-added, seamless, fast journey. 

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Ian Borg announced the arrival on his Facebook Page on Friday, inviting his followers to “look closely at the photo”.

“As a Government, we have opened the fast ferry route Valletta-Gozo! The private sector believed and invested,” he said.

He continued, “Now we want you to use it from 1st June.”