Malta & Gozo

The Maltese archipelago consists of mainly three islands being Malta, Gozo and Comino. With Malta being the largest at 316 km² and Gozo coming in second with an area of 67 km².
Many Maltese citizens and Gozitans find it difficult to travel from one island to another since there is currently only one method of transportation being the ferry. The Gozo Channel manages these ferries and currently have three ferries operating, which make daily 25 minute journeys between the two islands.  

A large number of citizens travel between the islands on a daily basis for work or educational purposes. Having only one method to get from one island to another, which may not always be reliable or efficient.

There are various ongoing discussions with the hope of finding a possible solution for the large number of people traveling between Malta and its sister island Gozo. One proposal introduces the idea of a fourth ferry to increase the number of voyages. The introduction of the new ferry would also include reorganising the Mgarr harbour in Gozo to allow space for another ferry to operate as well as to administer for the increased ferry traffic. Although some citizens are not convinced by this proposal and argue that this is only a slow alternative for the everyday commuter and does not solve the problem completely.

Along with the introduction of a fourth ferry, the government is currently searching for a company to provide the service of a fast ferry. The original deadline to find companies interested in taking over this service was 31st July 2017 which had to be extended to 31st January 2018. The agreement would be of a five year period and the company would be in charge of both the current ferries as well as the new fast ferry.
"The fast-ferry service would be mostly aimed at peak times in the morning when residents of Gozo travel to Malta for work purposes and in the afternoon when they return home."
Another proposed solution was that of building a tunnel stretching between Malta and Gozo. This idea seems to be the most expensive option and which would take most time. There are ongoing investigative coring works which take samples from different areas, both land and sea, to assess if those site would be ideal for the tunnel. The study aims to determine any faults in the seabed and in fact it was mapped out in detail.
"Results from both the seismic surveys and the geological tests will be used as the basis for the designs of the tunnel."
The notion of building a bridge has also been put forward in previous years. Building a bridge would allow quick access to both islands if managed well. On the other hand it would greatly impact the scenery of Malta's renowned sea. When it comes to the bridge and tunnel, there are various opposing opinions as to what would be the best option. Some citizens completely disagree with building either whilst others think it would be the best solution and is better than simply adding ferries.



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