Virtu Ferries building large, fast ferry in Australia

Virtu Ferries have signed a contract for the building of a new vessel with a capacity of 600 passengers and 65 cars, including 10 TIR/trucks/double-decker coaches. The vessel is being built by Austal in Australia for delivery in May 2005. Building commenced this month.

Austal are the world's largest builders of fast ferries, specialising in large vehicle-carrying catamarans. The company, with head offices in Australia, has project offices and subsidiary companies in the United States, Europe and Asia. Austal-built fast ferries are in operation in five continents. The company has an international reputation for custom built vessels for leading shipowners and has over the last decade diversified to combat vessels and naval petrol craft.

Virtu Ferries will deploy the new vessel on the company's established Malta-Sicily route, with additional rolling cargo capacity, and expand the service to mainland Italy. The vessel is specifically designed for this route, with aft and side ramps for rapid turnaround.

The 69-metre vessel is to be powered by six MTU 16 cylinder engines and KaMeWa propulsion system. With a cruising speed of 40 knots Virtu Ferries will operate a year-round scheduled service to Pozzallo, Catania and Reggio Calabria. The service will facilitate car travel and import/export of cargo. A trailer departing Pozzallo will arrive in Malta in 90 minutes, Catania in three hours and Reggio in four hours 30 minutes.

Passenger accommodation will be on two decks: the tourist class upper deck for 508 passengers also houses two catering outlets, two shops and recreational facilities. The bridge deck accommodates 92 club class passengers with additional optional outside seats. The spacious seating configuration on both decks has been designed to allow for ease of circulation of passengers.

The vessel is being built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of the Norwegian Classification Society Det Norske Veritas, conforming to International Maritime Organisation codes, Malta flag state and Italian port state regulations. Registration will be under the Malta flag.