New Sliema-Gozo ferry with Buġibba stop to be introduced

A new ferry route connecting Sliema to Gozo, with a stop in Buġibba, is expected to be announced in the coming days as part of a broader effort to improve connectivity and offer alternative modes of transport across the islands.

Sources close to the Transport Ministry confirmed the ferry will depart from Sliema, stop in Buġibba, and continue towards Mġarr in Gozo.

“We want to give people as many options as possible for their mode of transport. It is all about creating as many alternative transport options,” the source said.

“With this and other plans in the works, we will be able to connect Gozo to more of Malta and vice versa.”

The ferry initiative forms part of a wider strategy to link more of Malta’s ports and ease congestion on the roads by encouraging sea-based commuting.

The frequency, duration of the journey and time of completion remain unclear at this time.

The initiative is the idea of Transport Minister Chris Bonnett, who has repeatedly stated his intention to make better use of Malta’s sea as a means of transport. He previously described the sea as the country’s “biggest and most underutilised resource”.

We want to give people as many options as possible for their mode of transport. It is all about creating as many alternative transport options- Source

In an interview in September, Bonnett noted that passenger numbers on existing ferry services have continued to grow, with the system remaining popular among both locals and tourists.

An impression of the new Buġibba breakwater and quay, which will soon be completed. It features a structure to protect ferry passengers. (Photo: CTP Consulting Engineers.)

Figures provided by Transport Malta show that, in 2024, just over 440,000 Tallinja cardholders used the Valletta-Sliema-Cottonera ferry service, alongside an additional 1.2 million passengers who purchased tickets.

Bonnett said the ministry was keen to extend ferry services to Buġibba. A new 37-metre pier has been constructed and is nearing completion. It will act as a breakwater to reduce wave impact in the bay. It is also intended to provide protection for fishing boats and small vessels docked in the area.

Once completed, the pier will feature mooring facilities and safer passenger platforms for ferries using the bay.

The government is also planning a coordinated bus system to align with ferry schedules and improve intermodal travel.

Prime Minister Robert Abela also confirmed the new ferry landing in Buġibba during a recent discussion on the environment, saying it would become an official stop on the fast ferry route between Malta and Gozo.

More details are expected in the coming days.