€130 Million Investment Plan to Strengthen Malta-Gozo Connectivity

Mario Borg, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, has outlined an ambitious €130 million investment plan to significantly enhance sea connectivity between Malta and Gozo, with the Gozo Channel fleet set to expand to five vessels by 2029.

The plan represents the most substantial upgrade to the cross-channel service in more than two decades. Gozo Channel currently operates three identical roll-on/roll-off ferries, the M.V. Ta' Pinu, M.V. Gaudos, and M.V. Malita, all built between 2000 and 2002 at Malta Shipbuilding, alongside the M.V. Nikolaos, a leased fourth vessel introduced in 2019 to help manage rising demand. The fleet handles approximately 5 million passengers and 1.9 million vehicles annually, serving as the primary lifeline for Gozo’s residents and economy.

Under the new plan, two new purpose-built ferries will join the fleet, bringing the total to five vessels. Crucially, the expansion includes a dedicated cargo ferry, a move designed to separate commercial and passenger traffic and ease congestion during peak periods. The introduction of a specialist cargo vessel addresses longstanding concerns from the Gozo business community about the impact of heavy commercial vehicles on passenger scheduling and capacity.

Borg, who was appointed Permanent Secretary in 2025 after serving as the first CEO of the Gozo Regional Development Authority, brings extensive experience in economic planning and Gozitan development to the role. His career has included bilateral engagement with the European Commission and international financial institutions, providing insight into the funding mechanisms available for such infrastructure projects.

The investment aligns with Malta's Vision 2050 framework, which identifies Gozo as a model for sustainable development and improved connectivity. The plan is expected to feature advanced technology designed to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of cross-channel operations.