“The net loss of Gozo Channel decreased by € 671,422 in the period January-July 2014 compared to 2013. One of the factors being that the fuel costs for the company went down by € 50,891 in the period January-July 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.”

This was announced by The Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo during a visit to the Gozo Channel Company today. With the Minister was the Chairman of Gozo Channel, Joe Cordina.

The Minister visited the Mgarr terminal and the Gaudos vessel, where he met with workers and with some of the passengers who were travelling between the two islands.Dr Refalo listed the measures that were taken since the Gozo Channel company had been entrusted to the Ministry for Gozo. Among those mentioned were debt reduction, the elimination of organised theft in the cafes of the ship and all necessary steps taken by the Court. An Audit board appointed to study in detail the operation of the company and identify any wastage that may occur.

He also explained that the new measures were not just about saving money, but also through the new initiatives by the Ministry for Gozo that have been successful in encouraging visitors to Gozo, both domestic and foreign tourists.

“In August of this year the company carried more than half a million people (543 000) and more than one hundred and forty thousand cars (142,000), which was a record year for Gozo Channel.”

The Minister congratulated three Gozo Channel Captains – Joseph Vella, Emanuel Debattista and Norbert Spagnol, who had completed a course leading to the qualification of Master Mariner.

They had attended the Maritime School of Malta. The three Captains successfully completed the course and passed all the oral examinations. This course was organised by the Maritime Coastguard Agency in collaboration with Transport Malta.

Gozo Channel has also launched a new website www.gozochannel.com. The Minister outlined the various objectives of this website, including encouraging advertising for Gozo through videos; promote cultural activities taking place on the island; and general guidance on how to visit the various areas in Gozo and its attractions. “The site offers collaboration and opportunities for businesses advertising on Gozo. Above all help to improve communication between the company and its customers,” Dr Refalo said.

As from the first of September free Wi-Fi also became available on all ships and the terminals.

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