Virtù Ferries' new jumbo catamaran, the fifth-largest high-speed catamaran in the world, was launched in Henderson Bay, western Australian, on April 25.

Austal Ships, the builders, in a statement on their website, said the vessel was on schedule for delivery in August.

The Jean de la Valette, a 107-metre vessel, accommodates 800 passengers in three lounges, one of them Club Class, and 156 vehicles and 342 truck lane metres for trailers, heavy commercial vehicles and tourist coaches. The vessel is certified to carry hazardous cargo. Outside deck seating for both economy and club class is available.

Representing Virtù Ferries at the launch were Francis Portelli, group chief executive officer, Henri Saliba, managing director, Matthew Portelli, director, Mario Buhagiar, technical director, and resident superintendent engineers Emmanuel Azzopardi and Patrick Buttigieg, who have been in Henderson since last October.

The Jean de la Valette, now afloat in Henderson Bay, is being fitted out to owner's specifications over the coming months.

The vessel is designed and engine for a cruising speed of 39 knots (approximately 70 km/hour). Sea trials in the Indian Ocean are scheduled for June 21 with departure from Henderson for Malta in the fourth week of July.

The Maria Dolores, deployed on the Malta-Sicily route since 2006, was also built for Virtù Ferries by Austal. Commenting as a repeat customer, Mr Portelli said "the quality we have come to expect from Austal is evident".

Mr Saliba said, "the vessel has been built to cater for the ever-increasing passenger and cargo demand on the Malta-Sicily route."

Jean de la Valette will be deployed on the Malta-Sicily route from the end of September.