Gozo Channel carried more than 114,400 passengers and over 27,000 vehicles between the two islands, return trips included, over the Santa Marija week. The three Gozo Channel vessels worked incessantly from Monday to Sunday, making a total of 444 trips, according to figures given to this newspaper.

The busiest day for the company's employees was Thursday, the eve of the public holiday, when 17,755 passengers and 4,050 vehicles made the crossing one way or the other.

This represents an increase of more than 2,400 passengers and more than 500 vehicles compared to the same day last year. The company operated 64 trips on the day, two more than last year.

A shuttle service was laid on so as to reduce queuing and waiting time.

The figures also show that since the beginning of the month, the number of passengers has increased by more than three per cent and vehicles by more than six per cent.

A company official said the ferry service between the two islands ran smoothly and the company is expecting another busy week this week. The new passenger terminal, which was inaugurated earlier this year, made it easier for foot passengers to alight and disembark, making the loading and unloading of vehicles easier, faster and safer, the official said.