Following a successful test run last year, the new ferry service connecting Malta to Marina di Ragusa in Sicily, Ragusa XPress, will officially begin operations on 18th May 2025.

The announcement was made via the Marina di Ragusa e dintorni Facebook page, highlighting the impressive 40-minute journey time. The Ragusa XPress ferry, a 50-meter catamaran, can carry up to 400 passengers and the service was announced last year.

The catamaran will be able to carry up to 18 vehicles.

Reactions on Facebook to the 40-minute trip were mixed, with most users expressing scepticism, claiming such a journey would be physically impossible without the ferry ‘flying’, while others were enthusiastic and welcomed the news.

“40 minuti con il turbo boost! (40 minutes with turbo boost),” joked one commenter, referencing the speed with a hint of sarcasm.

After a successful test run in January last year, the service was initially set to launch in September. However, permit-related delays pushed back the start date, with the launch now officially confirmed for this month.

The service will operate from a dedicated terminal in Marsa, on the corner of Church Wharf and Cross Road (better known by their Maltese names, Il-Moll tal-Knisja and Triq is-Salib tal-Marsa).

The latest planning application (PA/7404/23) obtained approval for internal alterations, a redesign of the façade, and the re-use of the ground floor as a ferry terminal, which was approved on 26th July 2024.

Permission was also granted change the use of the first floor from office space to a clinic with nine treatment rooms and a dentist’s office. 

The service will operate from its dedicated terminal in Marsa, on the corner of Church Wharf and Cross Road (better known by their Maltese names, Il-Moll tal-Knisja and Triq is-Salib tal-Marsa).

The Ragusa Xpress will utilise a ferry that was previously operated by one of its competitors, Virtu Ferries. Virtu Ferries runs two trips per day between Malta and Pozzallo in southern Sicily.