A European call for tenders for the provision of a maritime transport service for passengers, vehicles and merchandise between Malta and Gozo has been issued.
The government said in a statement that the call was in line with the European Union Maritime Cabotage Regulation, which aims at eliminating restrictions on the freedom to provide maritime transport services within member states.
At the government’s request, the European Commission accepted that the service between Mgarr and Cirkewwa would be provided exclusively by one operator, following a call for tenders open to European ship operators. This request was accepted because of the size of the ports, particularly the Mgarr port.
The service, the government said, would continue to be given at the current frequency. Fares would only be increased once a request submitted to the regulator is accepted.
The operator would be compensated for losses incurred as a result of lower fares to holders of the Kartanzjan and to Gozo residents, which will remain in effect. The selected bidder would have to take on the current workforce who would not lose their jobs.
The call for applications closes on April 1 at 10 a.m. Applications may be collected from the Transport Ministry at Palazzo Verdelin, 111, Archbishop Street, Valletta.
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