Virtù Ferries sign contract for new catamaran
Virtù Ferries, operators of the Malta-Sicily high-speed catamaran service, have signed a contract with Austal Ships Pty Ltd of Western Australia for the building of a new vessel which will be one of the largest aluminium hull catamarans in Europe.
Virtù Ferries, operators of the Malta-Sicily high-speed catamaran service, have signed a contract with Austal Ships Pty Ltd of Western Australia for the building of a new vessel which will be one of the largest aluminium hull catamarans in Europe. Austal are the builders of Virtù's current Malta-Sicily catamaran, the Maria Dolores delivered in 2006.
The new catamaran, an Austal Auto Express 107, will be named Jean de la Valette and will be delivered in August 2010. She will replace the Maria Dolores on the Malta-Sicily route.
The Jean de la Valette will have a seating capacity for 800 passengers on two decks, with three catering outlets and a central shopping area. Passenger decks offer a passenger-friendly seating density of two to three seats per row, as well as an upper deck lounge area overlooking the vessel's bow. A central staircase will lead to a first-class seating area featuring a separate catering facility and two VIP lounges. Outdoor seating will also be available for more than 110 passengers, in both economy and VIP lounges. An additional new feature, particular to this vessel at the request of Virtù, is a dedicated lounge for commercial vehicle drivers. Providing a restful environment, the lounge is furnished with Eknes super-comfort full reclining seats with footrest.
The vehicle deck will carry 230 cars or 45 cars and 342 truck lane metres equivalent to 23 trailers.
Henri Saliba, managing director of Virtù Ferries, said: "The demand for cargo traffic between Malta and Sicily since we joined the EU has exceeded our expectations. This is a £60 million investment that will cater for the demands of the Maltese commercial, industrial and tourism sectors into the future and provide a scheduled yearround service."
The new catamaran, an Austal Auto Express 107, will be named Jean de la Valette and will be delivered in August 2010. She will replace the Maria Dolores on the Malta-Sicily route.
The Jean de la Valette will have a seating capacity for 800 passengers on two decks, with three catering outlets and a central shopping area. Passenger decks offer a passenger-friendly seating density of two to three seats per row, as well as an upper deck lounge area overlooking the vessel's bow. A central staircase will lead to a first-class seating area featuring a separate catering facility and two VIP lounges. Outdoor seating will also be available for more than 110 passengers, in both economy and VIP lounges. An additional new feature, particular to this vessel at the request of Virtù, is a dedicated lounge for commercial vehicle drivers. Providing a restful environment, the lounge is furnished with Eknes super-comfort full reclining seats with footrest.
The vehicle deck will carry 230 cars or 45 cars and 342 truck lane metres equivalent to 23 trailers.
Henri Saliba, managing director of Virtù Ferries, said: "The demand for cargo traffic between Malta and Sicily since we joined the EU has exceeded our expectations. This is a £60 million investment that will cater for the demands of the Maltese commercial, industrial and tourism sectors into the future and provide a scheduled yearround service."