Feasibility Study for the Development of Ferry Services between Gozo and Sicily, and the Formulation of a Strategic Plan for Mgarr, Gozo The overall objective of the project comprised the improvement of accessibility of Gozo and the reduction of its double insularity as well as the reduction of transit time of the Gozitan population, particularly to and from Sicily, and the enhancement of Gozo’s peripheral development.

The project has two specific objectives: 1. To establish a strategic development plan for the port of Mgarr, Gozo to serve as a context within which to carry out the feasibility study described below. The strategic plan will assess current and potential new activities within the port area plus make predictions for future demand and assessment of capacity constraints, including seasonality, re. marine facilities, road access to/from the port and land use. The plan will ultimately identify the potential need, timing and extent of any future port expansion and identify implementation alternatives, risks and environmental considerations. 2. To study the feasibility of Malta-Sicily ferries also operating from the port of Mgarr, Gozo and to design the required infrastructure work needed in Mgarr. This study is required with the pre-investment stage to assess, both, the financial viability and the economic feasibility of developing international maritime services which will enable both passengers and vehicles (including trailers) to be linked directly with Gozo. The specific objectives of the feasibility study include: Market assessment of potential existing and future ferry traffic demand; Operational assessment of potential ferry services and institutional considerations; Assessment and preliminary design and cost estimates of related infrastructure and superstructure needs for Mgarr port. Economic impact assessment and environmental considerations; and Financial viability of potential operations