1 comment.Gozo Channel’s largest vessel M.V. Malita back in service
 Email item
|  Print item
|
|
Gozo Channel’s largest vessel, the M.V.Malita will return back to service this coming Sunday, the 5th of February 2012 after completing extensive refurbishment and maintenance works, which were spread over a five week period.
The refurbishment works touched on various public areas, including th cafeteria, lounge, lobby and restrooms while the marine maintenance works included an major overhaul of the main propulsion system of the vessel including the electric drive motors and trusters. The works saw a total capital investment of €750,000.
The refurbishment of the 10-year-old vessel took place in the Palumbo Shipyards commencing on 5th January 2012 and completed according to the planned schedule of works on 4th February 2012.
Commenting on the works on the M.V. Malita, Gozo Channel Company Limited, Acting Chairman, Vincent Mifsud said that “the maintenance and refurbishment works forms part of our commitment to ensure that the Company’s vessels are in ship shape condition at all times. This on-going investment will continue to enhance our drive to improve the level of service we offer to our customers.”
Mr Mifsud added that “To compensate for the decrease in vehicle capacity during the docking of the M.V. Malita, the Company made new arrangements to the schedule to include three additional trips on weekdays. This helped to ensure a smooth and efficient service for the benefit of our commuters.”
Mr Mifsud also announced that after the carnival period when the company will be expecting increased traffic, Gozo Channel will be docking the vessel M.V. Ta’ Pinu for both routine maintenance works and the installation of a hoistable deck on the vessel. This is part of Gozo Channel’s efforts and investment to increase the capacity on all its fleet thereby enhancing efficiency and the level of service to its customers.
The MV Malita has a total overall length of 86 metres and is 18 metres wide. Its gross tonnage amounts 4,894 Kgs and has a passenger capacity of 900 persons and a car capacity of 150 when the hoistable car deck is operative.
Great idea to install a hoistable deck on another Gozo Channel ship. It should cut down considerably the car queue and thus waiting time for boarding at peak times.