Contract awarded for Grand Harbour, Marsamxett ferry services
Transport Malta has signed a contract with Marsamxetto Steamferry Services for the provision of scheduled ferry services in Grand Harbour and Marsamxett.
The eight-year contract was concluded after a call for tenders.
Services will be operated simultanously in both harbours. The service in Marsamxett will commence immediately while the service in Grand Harbour will start with the commissioning of the Barrakka lift - which is expected before the end of the year.
"The main objective of this service contract is to ensure a reliable maritime transport which is operated on a fixed time schedule, offered at a regulated price and with a level of service aimed at stimulating its further increase in popularity," Transport Malta said.
The operator is obliged to operate the service all year round, with departures operating at a maximum interval of thirty minutes from each landing place, within a minimum stipulated schedule as follows in both ports:
Winter Schedule:
Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Sundays and Public Holidays: 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.
Summer Schedule:
Monday to Saturday: 7 a.m. till 7 p.m.
Sundays and Public Holidays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The maximum fares that can be charged according to this agreement are detailed in the table below.
|
Type of Ticket ( Per Trip One Way) |
Euro (€) |
|
Ticket for Adults |
1.50 |
|
Children up to twelve (12) years of age |
0.50c |
|
Karta Anzjan and Blue Badge Holders |
0.50c |
|
|
|
|
Type of Ticket (Return) |
Euro (€) |
|
Ticket for Adults |
2.80 |
|
Children up to twelve (12) years |
0.90c |
|
Karta Anzjan and Blue Badge Holders |
0.90c |
|
|
|
|
Special Rates |
Euro (€) |
|
Weekly Pass valid for seven (7) consecutive weekdays unrestricted use |
10.00 |
The regulated tariffs can only increase once every three years with an increase that is limited to the inflationary costs associated with providing the service (including the increase in the cost of fuel). Such increase must be approved by Transport Malta.
The operator shall enjoy exclusive use of strategic landing places and shall contribute a total of €300,000 of its revenue, over the whole period, to the Authority.
The Operator has an obligation to invest in two new ferry vessels within 12 months from signing. While initially operating with existing vessels, the Operator shall provide substitute/relief vessels when the nominated vessels are not available due to breakdowns, damage or planned maintenance. Additional services over and above the minimum services shall be provided to cover those occasions when there is an increase in demand including during national holidays and events.
Among other requirements, the operator had to employ crews who are fluent in both Maltese and English and who must wear a uniform and visible identification. The operator is also obliged to maintain a website providing on-line information, timetables and an early warning to inform the general public of any disruptions and changes to the services due to bad weather.
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47 Comments
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Victor Pulis
Oct 4th 2012, 11:05
@ Alfred Tonna
I agree that the outboard engines on the dghajsas are not part of the dghajsa tradition but unfortunately I doubt if the present day dghajsa men are prepared to row across Grand harbour now that they've become accustomed to the motorised version. I remember when I first saw a dghajsa fitted with an engine. it must have been in the early sixtees as i was still very young.Incidentally last July i was visiting Lake Bled in Slovenia and I learned that engines working on petrol or diesel are not allowed on the lake and the pletna boats plying the lake only use oars.
Alfred Tonna
Oct 3rd 2012, 14:17
Further to my comment below of yesterday from which I had 2 replies 1 from C. Cassar and the other from V. Pulis
I agree with Mr. Pulis that we don't want "blaspheming ignorant man" but unfortunately as we can see from the link it does happen... As a frequent Visitor to Venice I have never seen the gondolier argue and fight at least not in front of tourists however I note that Mr. Pulis did not pass a comment about the engines on the traditional dghajsa! We must decide traditional or traditional like onlyinmalta.com?!
Imagine the gondolas in Venice with engines, that is what we have on our traditional dghajsa they have been allowed to change the traditional boats which was a rowing boat and has been with us "hundreds of years" to a motorized dghajsa.
This in my opinion should not be allowed if its tradition that we want to keep alive.
Martin Büttner
Oct 2nd 2012, 15:45
Finally!
A well organised and frequently operating sea ferry service can help to reduce road traffic. Time can be saved and parking facilities outside Valletta can be utilised better.
Tourists residing outside Valletta can also benefit from it.
I am curious to see the exact routes, especially in the Great Harbour.
The tariffs look good to me, affordable, and reasonable. I would and will pay these rates and use the service!
BIG PROGRESS FOR MALTA !!!
Alfred Tonna
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:58
All this about traditional boats?
The Boats are not traditional because traditionally they were without engines!
Imagine the Gondolas in Venice with engines its much the same thing...
If you want to be traditional remove those engines.
In any case do we really want these... click on the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eYhnwYqV01g#!
C Cassar
Oct 2nd 2012, 19:10
No, we want modern city ferries not old garbage which has passed its sell by date.
Victor Pulis
Oct 3rd 2012, 10:33
No Mr. Tonna we don't want blaspheming ignorant dghajsa men but what has that got to do with traditional dghajsas?The maltese dghajsa has been with us for hundreds of years and it is part of our heritagelike the gondolas are part of Venice's heritage. Go and tell the Venetians to scrap their gondolas!
C.vassar if you consider the dghajsa as garbage then I pity you.
Alfred Grech
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:55
Great news. Let's all sing together: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWvIw1r0RqI
B Borg
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:28
It would be a good idea to join the bus tickets and ferry tickets as one flexi pass. This would make transport to Valletta and Sliema possible for all people in the south rather than only people from Cottonera. It would also solve the problem of the schedule aswell as the buses would compliment the service when the ferry stops running (even in case of bad weather). It would ease congestion in Marsa and also give a boost for the economy in Cottonera.
Victor Pulis
Oct 3rd 2012, 11:46
That is an idea worth looking into.I believe the ferry service will not be able to be cost effective on its own since the only people making use of it on a regular basis will be those living in the inner harbour area. This is not a big enough pool to keep the ferry service financially viable. But if it was linked to another much bigger company like Arriva any loses could be balanced.It would also be a goos idea if the tickets were also used to make use of the lift.
Anthony Pace
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:52
Cheaper to use the bus at 1e 50 c for a return trip. To compete they have to be simarly priced....
A Mifsud
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:38
Thew weekly pass is valid for 7 "consecutive weekdays". Please tell me this is a typo.
Edward Farrugia
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:19
t@ Sammy Vella - Be realistic in your thinking - the instituion of a regular ferry service within the harbours' areas is not a threat to the daghajsa's means of transport as whereas one making use of the daghajsa is a case of a one-off, that of the ferry is meant to serve the public on a permanent basis and obviously directed also towards easing the ever increasing land traffic around the harbours' areas. The daghajsa crossing constitues nowadays (as opposed to old times) a pleasure trip for tourists and locals who have time to spare to idle about within the harbours' confines. The question of competition does not centre absolutely as the use of the daghajsa in to-days Malta will continue to exist and used to its present proportions This is all nonesense!
I am of the view that extending and implementing a ferry service on a regular and permanent basis is good thinking as it provides the general public (particularly those residing around the two harbours' areas) more flexibility of movement. The recommissioning of the Baracca Lift is well timed to complement the institution of the ferry services easing in its wake the mobility of the general public and visitors alike.
R. Bartolo
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:38
What about the water taxis ? Or is it going to be a monopoly?
Sammy Vella
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:00
Just enter here.. the Notice to mariners is self explanatory http://www.transport.gov.mt/admin/uploads/media-library/files/Port%20Notice%20No.%2013%20of%202012.pdf
R Bartolo
Oct 2nd 2012, 16:08
This isn't me.
fred sammut
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:08
dik il lanca nahseb ghandha 70 sena?? ghax bir rivets mhux bil welding!! is it safe enough????
Sammy Vella
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:06
suppost safe enough ghax suppost taghddi survey kull sena u isirula inspections mill inspectors ta TM.. imma sewwa hett dik il lanca ta zmien il gwerra.. kienet ambulance boat ghalkemm kienu imbidlula xi pjanci u anki il magni
Julian Esposito
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:08
Why not really liberalise the market? It is virtually impossible to attempt to compete as a private supplier given the over-regulation by TM.
Paul Bajada
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:03
2.80 Euros for a return trip per person!!! Hardly good priced.... I'd rather take the bus or car.
C Cassar
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:45
Eh? That's a bargain. Take your car and pay additional car park charges or the park & ride fee. How do you think the ferry company can cover it's costs even on €2.80 when they have to run even if the ferry is empty? Try taking a ferry on the Thames in London and it will cost you between 2 and 4 times this price and the distance will be much shorter.
Mario Giuliano
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:27
@ C Cassar
"Try taking a ferry on the Thames in London and it will cost you between 2 and 4 times this price and the distance will be much shorter."
Of course, you are always comparing our fares in Malta to YOUR fares in England where you do actually live!! Firstly the wages in England are 4 times those of Malta ... so "bir-ragun" that the cost is in same ratio. Secondly, probably you are not aware, from your English armchair, that an ALL DAY fare in Malta is only 1.50 Euro ... that makes many "return" trips and one does not have to "pay additional car park charges or the park & ride fee"
Mr Bajada's comments are right to the point!! I would rather take the bus too!!
W Cassar
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:29
Try working in London you will earn 5 times as much as here! DUH!!!
C Cassar
Oct 2nd 2012, 19:16
@W Cassar:
You haven't got a clue about living or working in London. Firstly average pay is not 4-5 times that of Malta for a smilar job, may 2 times but that's all. Additionally, there's no local tax to pay in Malta (council tax averaging €2-3000 per year in the London area. Disposable income is less if you live and work in London than in Malta. I know, I've lived in both places.
The cost of living in Malta when taking into account average salaries, taxes (which are much lower than in UK), travelling distances & costs is way, way lower than in teh UK or in fact most other EU countries.
€2.80 for a city ferry is a true bargain. I would have priced it at €4 minimum.
Charles DeMicoli
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:59
Who were the other bidders?
Victor Pulis
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:59
No mention of the boarding/landing places.
Michael Borg
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:52
that boat in the pic ???
Mr Tony Gatt
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:34
Presumably tourists will pay the same price as locals?
A Trapani
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:30
If I understand well, for a not so expensive fee, locals and shoppers will be able to easily shop in Sliema in the morning then catch the ferry, the barracks lift and continue their day in Valletta without using their car. I think this will be a success. Of course, the usual moaners will find ways and means to complain.... Maybe cause we'll be disturbing the fish too much perhaps?
Franco Attard Trevisan
Oct 2nd 2012, 13:17
spot on!
Joseph Grech Attard
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:28
Who is Marsamxetto Steamferry Services? Isn't it high time that, once a company is awarded a deal, the names of its directors, etc is made known, without asking?
New contracts and deals issued a few months before a general election, at times, sound suspicious!
Joseph Apap
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:46
You can check who the directors are at the MFCC
Mark Vassallo
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:55
C 12803 MARSAMXETTO STEAMFERRY SERVICES LTD
Directors
367581M RAPHAEL I BIANCHI
177752M ADRIAN ZAMMIT TABONA
465150M MICHAEL ZAMMIT TABONA
657456M MICHAEL J BIANCHI
Shareholders Lm2,500 each
C 512 THE MERCANTILE SHIPPING AND COALING CO. BIANCHI AND CO. (1916) LIMITED
C 3255 CAPTAIN MORGAN LEISURE LIMITED
Mr Tony Gatt
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:55
@ Mark Vassallo
Quaint name and date- 'Marsamxetto' and 1916? Where have they been all these years?
william cauchi
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:25
On the whole a good proposal, but what i can't understand is the timetable.
If you are taking to boat to Valletta in the afternoon/evening, who would plan to be back home, in summer, at 7.00pm, when it's still full daylight. What makes less sense is that on Sundays/Public Holidays when one has more time, one has to leave Valletta earlier at 6.00pm. Catching the last boat at 6.00pm means leaving wherever you are at 5.30pm.
Does this make any sense? These timetable looks that these are made for Govt. office workers, those who work in most businesses and shops will never be able catch the last boat.
Some more fine tuning please.
C Cassar
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:20
I hope the new vessels after 12 months will actually be NEW. Additionally, these should be a "roll-on, roll-off" design so that the crossing time isn't taken up mostly by turning the ferry around at each end as is done today.
Sammy Vella
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:14
Is the ferry service in grand harbour in competition with the traditiona daghjsa, do we need such a service when we already have marine transport by traditional daghjsa or is TM"/Government pushing the end of the traditional daghjsa after so much sacrifice by the barklori to revive the Daghjsa??
There should be some answers and the people of Cottonera expects answers
laurent caruana
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:32
Another moaner. People never learn!
J.C. Borg
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:35
Mr Vella - I write simply for clarification. This article does not indicate where the ferry will take you from Valletta, Cottonera is not mentioned.
Mr Tony Gatt
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:38
I remember as a boy the 'lanca' was very popular from the Ferries jetty to Valletta. I can't see dghajjes taking the same number of people.
R Bartolo
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:50
Dghajsa = Karozzin
Ferry = Bus
Answers above, but I suspect that nobody in Cottonera really expect anything, except for the persons very directly involved, and I also suspect that they never appointed you as official spokesman either.
Victor Pulis
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:53
Dghajsa trips from Senglea to Valletta are 1 euro one way. The ferry charges 1euro.50 one way. People can do the maths and choose. I know what I would do!
Patrick Jansen
Oct 2nd 2012, 11:57
I am pretty sure the amount of passengers will be way too high to have a reliable service running with just the traditional daghjsa. Especially with the new lift operating, it will become a big tourist attraction to go down by lift, see the area from the water and visit the three cities.
I can't wait:)
Saviour Sam Agius
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:20
Have you been to Venice? There they have both gondolas and ferries, and they all work side by side. Ferries are meant to transport the masses whereas the traditional boats are not.
Sammy Vella
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:44
@ JC Borg the Grand Harbour ferry will work between valleta the 3 cities and maybe kalkara...where we already have the UNIQUE MALTESE DAGHJSA
Sammy Vella
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:48
@ laurent Caruana.. Yes I am a moaner cause i know how the Maltese Daghjsa was becoming forgotten and with hard work by some Daghjsa lovers (Barklori) from the cottonera where the daghjsa was born it was revived from certain death. I wonder why you called me a moaner, with all due respect to all i hope you are not one of those whom consider the seamen, barklori and the cottonera people as hamalli and second class citizens
Sammy Vella
Oct 2nd 2012, 12:51
@R Bartolo i speak in my own name as i hope you spoke in your own name. I spoke cause i know how hard it was to revive the saghjsa and as a lover of the daghjsa
Thomas Rubicon
Oct 2nd 2012, 14:47
@ laurent caruana's comment.
Why do we have to label a person just because he contributed his opinion.
One thing I totally agree with your comment Mr. Caruana: " (some) people never learn! "
Please choose the reason of your report below: