Virtu Ferries, operators of the Malta-Sicily high-speed catamaran service, will be acquiring a new vessel designed to be one of the largest aluminium hull catamarans in Europe.
It will be built by Austal Ships Pty Ltd, of Western Australia that also developed Virtu's current Malta-Sicily catamaran, the Maria Dolores. The new catamaran will be named Jean de la Valette and will be delivered in August 2010. She will replace Maria Dolores on the Malta-Sicily route.
The new catamaran, an Austal Auto Express 107, was judged best vessel for the route due to her versatility and all-round efficiency, as well as being tailor-made for the route's requirements, based on passenger feedback.
The Jean de la Valette will have a seating capacity for 800 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 is a dedicated lounge for commercial vehicle drivers providing a restful environment. The lounge is furnished with 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. This will enable Virtu Ferries to efficiently service the growing need of private passengers with cars and campers, tour operators with coaches and commercial vehicles and trailers with accompanied cargo.
Managing director Henri Saliba said: "The demand for cargo traffic between Malta and Sicily since we joined the EU has exceeded expectations. This is a €60 million investment that will cater for the demands of the Maltese commercial, industrial and tourism sectors and provide a scheduled year round service."
Virtu Ferries have been operating high-speed ferries between Malta and Sicily since 1988. Maria Dolores makes over 500 round trips every year between Valletta and Pozzallo and Catania.