Ragusa Xpress, a new ferry connecting Malta to the Marina di Ragusa in Sicily, will start operations in September, according to reports.
A report from Times of Malta on Monday (today) stated that an exact date is yet to be established as the operators are still waiting for the final permits from the Sicilian authorities.
While the service was initially set to commence in late spring after a test run was completed in January, the launch was then delayed due to issues with permits.
Once it is launched, the service will operate from Valletta Cruise Port, before it moves to 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).
A company owned by Paul Gauci, a majority shareholder in PG Group, will run the service.
Mr Gauci completed the purchase of the 750-berth Marina di Ragusa in 2023 for an undisclosed sum. The marina is known for its modern facilities and strategic location, and is also protected by an 800-metre inner breakwater.
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.
The ferry can carry a maximum of 430 passengers and 21 cars, with trips taking approximately one hour and 45 minutes to cross from the Grand Harbour to Marina di Ragusa.
At the time of writing, Ragusa Xpress’ website states that the service is set to launch “soon” with it “almost ready to set sail.”
“We’re setting sail shortly and gearing up to take you across the sea for unforgettable journeys between Malta and Marina di Ragusa,” it continued.
