Gozo Highspeed
 | |
| Founded | 1 July 2023 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Valletta |
Area served | Gozo Channel North-Eastern Malta |
| Services | Passenger transportation |
| Website | https://gozohighspeed.com/ |
Gozo Highspeed Limited is a Maltese company that operates fast ferry services between the islands of Gozo and Malta using catamarans.
Overview
[edit]Gozo Highspeed was established on 1 July 2023 following the merger of Virtu Ferries Gozo and Gozo Fast Ferry,[1] two companies which have been operating the service since the summer 1 June 2021.[2]
Gozo Highspeed first sailed between Mġarr and Quarry Wharf, in the Grand Harbour.[1] The trip takes 45 minutes.[2] In September 2024, the Government announced that Gozo Highspeed will operate a fixed, year-round timetable for the Gozo to Valletta service, backed by an extra investment of €1.3million. The service was then running 16 daily return trips under the original €12million contract.[3]
On 5 May 2026, Gozo Highspeed added routes from Mġarr to Buġibba and Sliema.[4] The Sliema–Buġibba leg is free for Tallinja card holders, while the leg to Gozo is paid. The whole trip takes 75 minutes to complete, including a 15 mins stop in Bugibba.[5]
Crossings happen throughout the day all-year round including weekends and public holidays but unlike Gozo Channel Line, it stops at night.[6]
Ridership
[edit]Clint Camilleri said 365,000 passengers used the service in its first year, 693,000 in 2023, and more than 409,000 in the first half of 2024.[3] In May 2026, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the Valletta–Gozo fast ferry carried 1,025,000 passengers in 2025.[7]
Current Fleet
[edit]| Image | Ship | Type | Length | Passengers | Design | Launched | Top Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Gozo Express | High-speed craft | 42.2m | 322 | Incat Crowther | 2022 | 38kn | [8] |
| Malta Express | High-speed craft | 42.2m | 322 | Incat Crowther | 2025 | 38kn | [9] | |
| Your Faith | High-speed craft | 39m | 300 | Incat Crowther | 2018 | 32kn | [10] | |
 | HSC Your Wisdom | High-speed craft | 39m | 300 | Incat Crowther | 2018 | 32kn | [10] |
| Your Magic | High-speed craft | 39m | 300 | Incat Crowther | 2023 | 32kn | [11] | |
 | San Frangisk | Air Cushion Catamaran | 35m | 310 | Brodrene SA | 1989 | 38kn | [12] |
Former Fleet
[edit]| Image | Ship | Type | Length | Passengers | Builder | Launched | Top Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | San Pawl | Air Cushion Catamaran | 35m | 310 | Brodrene SA | 1991 | 36kn | [8][12] |
External links
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 "Gozo fast ferry companies merge operations to offer one service". Times of Malta. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- 1 2 "New 45-minute Gozo to Valletta ferry service casts off". Times of Malta. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- 1 2 "Fast Ferry service between Malta and Gozo to increase with year-round schedule". Newsbook. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- ↑ "Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo fast ferry service inaugurated". Times of Malta. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- ↑ "Fast ferry service linking Sliema and Buġibba to Gozo inaugurated". Newsbook. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- ↑ "Schedule". Gozo Highspeed. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- ↑ "Prime Minister inaugurates fast ferry between Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo". TVMnews.mt. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- 1 2 "Virtu Ferries invests in Gozo's Maritime Transport". Virtu Ferries. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- ↑ "Delivery – 2025 built High Speed Craft MALTA EXPRESS arrive at Malta – 19.09.2025". Malta Ship Photos. 19 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- 1 2 "Gozo Fast Ferry". Bianchi Group. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- ↑ "Local Shipping – High Speed Craft YOUR MAGIC operating at Malta – 24.12.2025". Malta Ship Photos. 24 December 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
- 1 2 "San Frangisk & San Pawl". Virtu Ferries. Retrieved 21 September 2026.