Gozo Highspeed

Gozo Highspeed Limited
Founded1 July 2023
HeadquartersValletta
Area served
Gozo Channel
North-Eastern Malta
ServicesPassenger transportation
Websitehttps://gozohighspeed.com/

Gozo Highspeed Limited is a Maltese company that operates fast ferry services between the islands of Gozo and Malta using catamarans.

Overview

Gozo Highspeed was established on 1 July 2023 following the merger of Virtu Ferries Gozo and Gozo Fast Ferry, two companies which have been operating the service since the summer 1 June 2021.

Gozo Highspeed first sailed between Mġarr and Quarry Wharf, in the Grand Harbour. The trip takes 45 minutes. 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.

On 5 May 2026, Gozo Highspeed added routes from Mġarr to Buġibba and Sliema. 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.

Crossings happen throughout the day all-year round including weekends and public holidays but unlike Gozo Channel Line, it stops at night.

Ridership

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. In May 2026, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the Valletta–Gozo fast ferry carried 1,025,000 passengers in 2025.

Current Fleet

ImageShipTypeLengthPassengersDesignLaunchedTop SpeedNotes
Gozo ExpressHigh-speed craft42.2m322Incat Crowther202238kn
Malta ExpressHigh-speed craft42.2m322Incat Crowther202538kn
Your FaithHigh-speed craft39m300Incat Crowther201832kn
HSC Your WisdomHigh-speed craft39m300Incat Crowther201832kn
Your MagicHigh-speed craft39m300Incat Crowther202332kn
San FrangiskAir Cushion Catamaran35m310Brodrene SA198938kn

Former Fleet

ImageShipTypeLengthPassengersBuilderLaunchedTop SpeedNotes
San PawlAir Cushion Catamaran35m310Brodrene SA199136kn

References

  1. 1 2 "Gozo fast ferry companies merge operations to offer one service". Times of Malta. 30 June 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  2. 1 2 "New 45-minute Gozo to Valletta ferry service casts off". Times of Malta. 1 June 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Fast Ferry service between Malta and Gozo to increase with year-round schedule". Newsbook. 24 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  4. ↑ "Sliema-Buġibba-Gozo fast ferry service inaugurated". Times of Malta. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  5. ↑ "Fast ferry service linking Sliema and Buġibba to Gozo inaugurated". Newsbook. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  6. ↑ "Schedule". Gozo Highspeed. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  7. ↑ "Prime Minister inaugurates fast ferry between Sliema, Buġibba and Gozo". TVMnews.mt. 5 May 2026. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  8. 1 2 "Virtu Ferries invests in Gozo's Maritime Transport". Virtu Ferries. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  9. ↑ "Delivery – 2025 built High Speed Craft MALTA EXPRESS arrive at Malta – 19.09.2025". Malta Ship Photos. 19 September 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  10. 1 2 "Gozo Fast Ferry". Bianchi Group. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  11. ↑ "Local Shipping – High Speed Craft YOUR MAGIC operating at Malta – 24.12.2025". Malta Ship Photos. 24 December 2025. Retrieved 21 September 2026.
  12. 1 2 "San Frangisk & San Pawl". Virtu Ferries. Retrieved 21 September 2026.