The government has said that it is “committed to strengthening the Gozo Fast Ferry service, with more frequency according to the needs of the Gozo and the Maltese people.”

To this end, the government said it is “discussing with the European Commission to help with a public service contract for the next two years, to a value of €12 million over two years.”

In a statement by the Transport Ministry on Friday evening, it said that the government is “determined to take the necessary steps so that the fast ferry service continues offering the best service for the needs of the Gozitans and the Maltese, as well as the economy of Gozo.”

The Ministry said that “the operators of this service faced extraordinary difficulties due to the effects of international challenges.”

It added that, “it was for this purpose that the authorities entered into talks with the operators with the aim that the government supports the service at this moment so that it is not only continued, but strengthened and provided more frequently.”

“The operators are committing themselves that if this contract is approved they will provide this necessary service according to the needs of the Maltese and Gozitan people, and there is also an agreement that in this case a new schedule will be started with the agreed prices that the operators cannot move from,” the Ministry said.

As part of the agreement, those patients who are receiving medical treatment at the Mater Dei Hospital or the Gozo General Hospital will use the service free of charge, the Ministry said.

The Ministry concluded by saying that “the aim is that with this agreement at this stage the basis is laid for a service that is sustainable and efficient for a long time.”

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