---
title: "Two Bids Submitted to Lease Fourth Ferry for Gozo Crossing"
date: 2026-09-02T17:00:40.098+00:00
updated: 2026-09-02T17:00:40.098+00:00
topics: ["Transport", "Gozo", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-09-02/two-bids-submitted-lease-fourth-ferry-gozo-channel
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Two Bids Submitted to Lease Fourth Ferry for Gozo Crossing

## In brief

- Two shipping companies have submitted bids to charter a fourth vessel for the Malta to Gozo ferry route.
- The offers were lodged by Italian operator Caronte & Tourist SpA and local firm Ragusa Xpress Ltd.
- The tender aims to secure a replacement for the ageing MV Nikolaos to support the channel crossing.

The Ministry for Gozo has confirmed that two companies have submitted proposals to lease a fourth vessel for the ferry service operating between Malta and Gozo.

The procurement process seeks to provide Gozo Channel with an additional charter vessel to maintain passenger and vehicle capacity, following ongoing efforts to replace the ageing MV Nikolaos.

The submissions came from Italian shipping company Caronte & Tourist SpA and the Malta-based operator Ragusa Xpress Ltd.

The government initiated the tender to bolster the reliability and capacity of the crossing, which has experienced heavy operational demand across peak travel seasons.

Evaluation of the submitted proposals is underway before a final contract is awarded.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** All reporting outlets covered the tender submission factually and consistently.

## Sources (2)

- [The Shift News](https://theshiftnews.com/2026/09/02/breakthrough-on-nikolaos-replacement-pama-boss-targets-gozo-channel-service-as-messina-ferry-giant-is-cheapest/)
- [Newsbook](https://newsbook.com.mt/en/two-companies-bid-for-tender-to-lease-fourth-gozo-ferry/)

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- [Gozo Channel Appoints New CEO and First Female Chairperson](https://filqosor.com/article/2026-07-03/gozo-channel-appoints-new-ceo-and-first-female-chairperson) (2026-07-03)
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