At a press conference held in Cirkewwa, Shadow Minister for Gozo Alex Borg and Shadow Minister for the Maritime Sector Ivan Castillo criticised Tender CT 2379/2024, which, they said “was supposedly intended to solve Gozo’s connectivity issues but was, in reality, designed to block competition and ensure that the MV Nikolaos remains in service. This despite its serious shortcomings in safety, accessibility, and operations.”

They argued that the tender imposes an “impossible deadline” for a new vessel to start operating. This means that new operators will find it “almost impossible to enter their tender, allowing the Government to justify continued payments for an old vessel; one for which taxpayers have already spent hundreds of thousands and which is far from being the fourth ferry that Gozitans deserve.”

Instead of investing in modern ferries that meet environmental, safety, and accessibility standards, the Labour Government is “wasting public funds on an outdated vessel unfit for passengers,” said the PN spokespersons.

Borg and Castillo went on to say that “it is clear that this tender was never intended to improve the service. Rather it was specifically designed to maintain the status quo. This is yet another confirmation that this Government only serves its own interests, manipulating procurement procedures to protect existing arrangements instead of acting in the public interest. The Government does not care about Gozitans or the thousands of passengers who depend on this service daily.”

They insisted that the Government is “manipulating the tender process to maintain the existing use of the Nikolaos rather than ensuring that Gozitans get the ferry service they rightfully deserve. Robert Abela and his associates have corrupted the tendering process by imposing impossible conditions, deliberately designed to discourage any serious bidders from the outset.”

“As long as we continue making do with the Nikolaos, Gozo Channel, their passengers, and taxpayers will continue to foot the bill for a vessel that is now only good for divers and fish,” said Borg and Castillo.

They claimed that “Abela’s Government is misusing public funds and manipulating processes to keep Gozitans stuck with a fundamentally flawed ferry. The short deadline for the tender, and its predictable outcome, raise serious concerns about the mismanagement of public funds and the Government’s lack of genuine intention to improve the ferry service for the thousands of people who rely on it daily.”

The Nationalist Party “insists that the Government must immediately stop stalling and provide Gozitans with the ferry service they deserve. Gozitans and Maltese alike deserve safe and modern connectivity, not as a privilege but as a right,” they said.

The spokespersons added that the current state of connectivity between Malta and Gozo is a “serious crisis and this daily struggle is affecting thousands of people.”

The existing Gozo Channel fleet has reached the end of its lifespan, said Borg and Castillo. “The ferries MV Ta’ Pinu, MV Malita, and MV Gaudos have been operating for 25 years and are deteriorating rapidly, especially with the increased number of trips between the islands.”

The fourth ferry, MV Nikolaos, which is rented at €14,000 per day (excluding fuel costs), is 36 years old. It was originally a cargo vessel, “yet the Maltese Government expects Gozitans and Maltese to rely on it,” they said.

They stated that “due to its limitations, the Nikolaos can only operate at half capacity. It is also in a deplorable state, with limited onboard facilities and serious accessibility issues. This situation is not just inefficient. It also poses significant safety risks to passengers and crew, especially considering international IMO and SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations.”

Alex Borg and Ivan Castillo emphasised that the Nationalist Party “does not create policies designed to fail.” Instead, it proposes serious measures to significantly improve connectivity between the islands:

A new fleet of ferries.

The service requires a new fleet of four modern vessels that meet environmental and international safety standards. This is essential to ensure efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability in Malta-Gozo connectivity.

A serious study on a fifth vessel.

The Nationalist Party said that it believes a proper study should be conducted on the feasibility of a fifth ferry to further strengthen connectivity, particularly during peak periods. This ferry should be dedicated exclusively to cargo transport, operating between Gozo and the Grand Harbour to make the transport of essential goods and products more efficient.

Port expansion and long-term investment.

The Government must ensure that Gozo’s ports are equipped to complement and support the evolution of Gozo Channel services, while also ensuring sustainable economic growth. This requires:

Expansion of ports in Mgarr and Cirkewwa to accommodate increased maritime traffic and cargo transport. Upgrading of breakwaters to ensure that ports remain fully operational in all weather conditions, particularly the South Quay in Cirkewwa. Improving road infrastructure, including the development of an additional road linking M?arr port to the rest of the island to reduce congestion and allow for smoother traffic flow.

Improved service for transporting dangerous goods.

More dedicated trips for hazardous cargo should be introduced to reduce risks for passengers and comply with maritime safety regulations. The PN said the people had had enough of delays and that action needed now. It is completely unacceptable that the Government continues to waste time at the expense of those who rely on the Malta-Gozo ferry service.

“The Labour Government has been in power for 13 years, constantly claiming to believe in better connectivity and a higher quality of life for Gozitans. Yet, their old ferries prove this was nothing but empty rhetoric,” the PN said.

Borg and Castillo said “it is shameful that the Government failed to apply for European Union funding, which could have supported a clean and sustainable transport infrastructure for Gozo. Research conducted by PN MEP Peter Agius and industry experts revealed that these funds were available under EU programmes designed to support such investments. However, the Government quite literally missed the boat.”

“Action is needed now,” said the PN, “as we are already late.”

Borg and Castillo concluded by saying that “the Government cannot continue to jeopardise the safety and economic future of Gozo and Malta. Gozitan farmers, businesses, and families deserve safe and reliable access to Malta. This is not a partisan issue. It is about serious governance and commitment to the well-being of our nation. The people deserve better, and the PN is committed to delivering this vision.”

Photo: PN

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