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  TA’ PINU TO GO INTO SERVICE NEXT WEEK |
04/03/2000 |
4th March 2000
TA’ PINU TO GO INTO SERVICE NEXT WEEK
Gozo Channel’s new vessel Ta’ Pinu will be going into service next week following an inauguration and blessing ceremony at the Mgarr ferry terminal. The new vessel equipped with the latest technological and safety features, will help to make the ferry crossing a more comfortable journey for the convenience of all commuters. The vessel was inaugurated by the Minister for Economic Services, Prof Josef Bonnici who was accompanied by the Minister for Gozo, Mrs Giovanna Debono and the Chairman of Gozo Channel, Mr John E. Sullivan. The blessing ceremony was conducted by His Lordship Mons. Nikol Cauchi Bishop of Gozo.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Mr Sullivan stated that “it is significant to inaugurate our first in a series of three new vessels on the Company’s 20th anniversary. In our endeavour to celebrate this anniversary, the Board of Directors and management is embarking on a number of initiatives and an ambitious strategic plan for the future. To implement this plan the company is currently undergoing a heavy capital investment comprising of a complete modernisation of its infrastructure. This includes the delivery of the two other vessels which are expected to go into service at the end of this year and during 2001 respectively, and the construction of adequate passenger terminals and facilities at Cirkewwa and Mgarr. We are also in the process of implementing procedures for the adoption of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.”
Mr Sullivan added that “since its formation in 1980, Gozo Channel has strived to become what today is, a major key player in the economic development of Gozo. This it has done by seeking to ensure that Maltese and Gozitan workers, students, holiday-makers as well as cargo reach their destinations in a safe, convenient and efficient way. This commitment was sustained by retaining the present fleet of four ferries and a catamaran all of which have contributed towards the increase of the company’s popularity throughout the years. Way back ten years ago, the total number of passengers was of 1,765,400 while vehicles and trips totalled 324,000 and 12,000 respectively. During this financial year Gozo Channel performed a record number of 20,450 trips and carried a total of just under 3 million passengers and 665,000 vehicles. This augurs well for the future of Gozo Channel Co Ltd.”
Mr Sullivan added that, “throughout the past year Gozo Channel has spared no efforts to improve the service on the ferries. This was done through a number of initiatives such as, ensuring that the ferry service departs on schedule, reducing the waiting time by operating extra trips when the need arises, employing customer service officials on board the ferries and conducting a customer survey in order to identify the needs of our customers. Other initiatives included the recent installation of a Close Circuit Camera System at the Mgarr Ferry terminal and a Baggage Trailer facility for passengers travelling to and from Gozo with their luggage.
After the inauguration ceremony Mr Sullivan and Gozo Channel, General Manager, Mr Marvic Fenech Adami presented a token to all employees who have been employed with the company from the outset.
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