Virtu Ferries is in talks to lease its catamaran Jean de la Valette for operations between Trinidad and Tobago.

The 10-year-old vessel is being replaced on the Malta-Sicily route by the larger, brand new MV St John Paul II.

The Trinidad and Tobago Guardian said government officials have been to Malta for talks with Virtu Ferries after the Maltese company was declared the preferred bidder out of three submissions.

Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan told the website that the Jean de la Valette is scheduled to arrive by the end of May to replace another vessel, the T&T Express, which the government plans to sell.

The lease will continue for about a year until two new ferries arrive in Trinidad and Tobago next year.

The Jean de La Valette will retain the Maltese flag and be crewed by Virtu staff.

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