Prime Minister Robert Abela has inaugurated a new breakwater and ferry landing in Buġibba, part of a broader plan to expand domestic sea transport.
He announced that a call for proposals will be issued for private operators to manage a new sea route connecting Sliema, Buġibba, and Mġarr, Gozo.
The route is intended to improve connectivity across key coastal areas and promote greater use of maritime transport. The government also plans to introduce free travel on selected routes, including the Buġibba–Sliema leg.
The infrastructure project, delivered by Infrastructure Malta, involved an investment of nearly €14 million, partly funded through the European Union.
It includes a 180-metre breakwater designed to reduce wave impact within the bay, improving safety for moored fishing boats and small vessels.
A secondary 36-metre arm provides additional shelter during adverse weather.
A terminal equipped with sheltered waiting areas and passenger facilities has also been completed.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works, Chris Bonett, said the terminal will support a new fast ferry service, which will be integrated with land transport to form part of a multimodal system.
The project falls under the SMITHS programme, which promotes sustainable travel through land and sea links across Malta and Gozo.
Minister for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted the role of EU funding in delivering new travel options for Malta’s northern region.
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