Record year for Gozo Channel

Gozo Channel ferried 3.94 million passengers and 1.06 million cars between the two islands, return trips included, making 2008 a record year.

The company increased its passenger numbers by 200,000, or nearly four per cent and the number of cars carried by 50,000, or five per cent, over the 2007 figures.

The figures consolidate an upward trend over the last four to five years. The company had been making losses year on year which reached €2.3 million in 2003 alone. In 2004, however, the losses fell to €23,000 when the company was restructured. Since then, the company has always made a profit.

The 2008 figures come as the ferrying service marks its 30th anniversary, which it is celebrating with free crossings for passengers (on foot) all day on Sunday. Passengers will still be asked to make a voluntary donation which will be used to buy trees that will be planted on the occasion of the anniversary.

Speaking at a press conference marking the occasion, Finance Minister Tonio Fenech yesterday referred to the heavy investment the company had made in its new fleet in the late 1990s, saying that the company has been providing an excellent service to both tourists and locals.

The old fleet had been replaced with the Ta' Pinu, Gaudos and Malita which were commissioned from the local shipyard in 1995. On Sunday, there will be live entertainment on trips between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. with magicians and entertainment for children and singers Chiara and Ozzy Lino. One of the Gozo Channel vessels will be berthed in Mġarr and people can tour the boat, including its engine room.