A recently shared throwback photograph by the National Archives of Malta offers a fascinating glimpse into a time when maritime trade was the lifeline between Malta and Gozo.

The image captures a cargo of agricultural goods, likely poultry and rabbits, arriving at Lascaris Wharf in the Grand Harbour, a scene once familiar to dock workers and traders in the mid-20th century.

For decades, the Gozo Boats played a crucial role in sustaining daily life across the islands. Long before modern ferry services, these hardworking vessels transported fresh agricultural produce from Gozo to Malta, ensuring a steady supply of food for local markets. In return, they carried manufactured goods, tools, and essential supplies back to Gozo, maintaining a balanced flow of commerce between the two islands.

These trading boats were a symbol of interdependence. Their schedules shaped livelihoods, supported farming communities, and kept island economies closely connected. The arrival of each boat at the Grand Harbour marked not only the delivery of goods but also the continuation of a deeply rooted trading tradition.

However, change came with progress. By the early 1960s, the introduction of a reliable steamer service between Malta and Gozo transformed maritime transport. Faster, larger, and more efficient vessels gradually replaced the traditional trading boats, leading to their decline and eventual disappearance from daily use.

Today, photographs like this serve as powerful reminders of a slower, more hands-on era of trade - one defined by resilience, routine, and the enduring relationship between Malta and Gozo.

Do you remember the Gozo Boats?