Malta, the enchanting island nation in the Mediterranean, is renowned for its rich history and stunning natural beauty, attracting a multitude of visitors. Now, there’s exciting news on the horizon: a new ferry route connecting Malta to Ragusa, Sicily, is expected to officially commence operations in September 2024. While the exact launch date is yet to be confirmed, the opening of this new route promises to create fresh opportunities for tourism and commerce between the two locations.
New Ferry Service from Malta to Sicily Set to Launch in September
Originally slated to open in late spring, the launch of this new route was delayed due to holdups in the approval process from the Italian authorities. The service will be operated by a company owned by local Maltese entrepreneur Paul Gauci, whose PG Group also manages well-known local supermarkets Pavi and Pama, as well as the Zara retail brand in Malta. In January 2023, Gauci acquired the Marina di Ragusa, one of Sicily’s largest ports, although the transaction amount was not disclosed. This acquisition not only bolstered his business portfolio but also laid a solid foundation for the operation of the new ferry service.
The ferry, named “Ragusa Xpress,” will utilize a catamaran with extensive maritime experience. Previously operated by competitor Virtu Ferries, this vessel was dedicated to routes in the Sicilian region. The Ragusa Xpress can accommodate up to 430 passengers and 21 vehicles, with an estimated travel time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the Grand Harbour in Malta to Ragusa. This catamaran was used in 2011 and 2015 for evacuations from Libya before being sold to a German company for charter services in the Caribbean. Now, following Gauci’s acquisition, the vessel has returned to Malta’s Grand Harbour to serve the new route.
The launch of the Ragusa Xpress will introduce competition to Virtu Ferries, which currently operates daily services between Malta and Pozzallo in southern Sicily, using larger vessels that can carry twice the number of passengers and more vehicles, including commercial ones. Nevertheless, the Ragusa Xpress offers passengers additional options, particularly for Maltese residents who frequently visit the Sicilian outlet village for shopping. Compared to Pozzallo, Ragusa is closer to the outlet, making it a more convenient choice for those looking to make quick trips between Malta and Sicily. This new route is expected to alleviate pressure on existing services, especially during peak shopping seasons.
Ragusa Port is Closer to the Sicilian Outlets
The Ragusa route will begin at Valletta Cruise Port, sharing the same port as Virtu Ferries, and is expected to officially launch following successful trial runs. In the future, the Ragusa Xpress may relocate to a dedicated terminal in Marsa, situated at the intersection of Church Wharf and Cross Road, potentially bringing new opportunities for development in the Marsa area.
In summary, the new ferry service from Malta to Ragusa, Sicily, is set to launch in September 2024. While the specific start date and ticket prices are yet to be determined, this announcement undoubtedly brings renewed hope for tourism and commercial growth in both regions. With the official operation of this route, the connection between Malta and Sicily will become even stronger, and we look forward to seeing more travelers journeying between these two beautiful Mediterranean islands, enjoying their unique cultural and natural attractions. We eagerly anticipate the successful launch of this new service, which will provide greater convenience for Maltese residents traveling to Sicily for vacations and shopping.
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