MGARR

• MTMGR
• Latitude: 36.0254
• Longitude: 14.3005
• West Mediterranean
• Port in Malta

Location: Malta

Mgarr Harbor is located on the island of Gozo, which is part of the Maltese archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea. It is the principal port of entry for ferries and other marine vessels traveling to Gozo from mainland Malta. Below is a detailed description and specification of Mgarr Harbor:

Location and Geography

• Coordinates: Approximately 36.0242° N latitude, 14.2953° E longitude
• Island: Gozo, Malta
• Nearest Major City: Victoria (also known as Rabat), the capital of Gozo, situated about 6 km from the harbor.

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Harbor Type: Natural/Artificial harbor
• Berthing Facilities: The harbor has berths that cater to various types of vessels including passenger ferries, fishing boats, leisure yachts, and private boats.
  • Ferry Terminal: Mgarr is the primary ferry terminal for the Malta-Gozo ferry service, operated by Gozo Channel Company Limited.
  • Quay Length: Varied lengths to accommodate different vessel sizes.
• Draft Depth: Approximately 6-8 meters depending on the berth, suitable for medium-sized vessels and ferries.
• Storage and Warehousing: Limited storage facilities primarily for the needs of ferries and local commerce.
• Passenger Amenities: Waiting areas, ticket counters, restrooms, cafes, and shops.

Services

• Customs and Immigration: Available for incoming and outgoing international vessels, although most traffic is domestic between the Maltese islands.
• Fueling: Fuel bunkering services are available for vessels.
• Repair and Maintenance: Basic maintenance and repair facilities are present; more complex services would generally require a trip to larger ports in Malta.
• Mooring Assistance: Harbor staff are available to assist with mooring operations.

Port Operations

• Operating Hours: Typically operates 24 hours, though ferry services have scheduled times.
• Traffic: Predominantly ferry traffic, along with private and commercial boats. Fishing vessels are also a significant part of the harbor's daily traffic.
• Safety and Security: The harbor is equipped with safety measures including navigational aids, lighting, and regular patrols by Maltese maritime authorities.

Economic and Commercial Impact

• Primary Use: Passenger transportation, tourism, fishing, and local maritime activities.
• Tourism: A critical gateway for tourists visiting Gozo, contributing significantly to the island's economy.
• Fishing Industry: Supports local fishermen and related industries, with facilities for landing and selling fish.

Access and Connectivity

• Road Access: Connected to the rest of Gozo via a well-maintained road network.
• Public Transportation: Accessible by local bus services and taxis.
• Car Parking: Facilities available for travelers and tourists using ferry services.

Environmental Considerations

• Pollution Control: Measures in place to control pollution, including waste management systems for vessels.
• Sustainability: Efforts to maintain a balance between development and conservation, given the ecological and tourism significance of the area.

Future Developments

• Expansion Projects: Plans and proposals for infrastructure improvements to handle increased traffic and enhance facilities are periodically discussed, often aimed at boosting the tourism sector and efficiency of ferry operations.

In summary, Mgarr Harbor is a vital maritime hub for Gozo, indispensable for both locals and tourists. It plays a crucial role in connecting Gozo to the rest of Malta and supports varied economic activities on the island.