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“This vessel is a perfect example of the customisation and first class craftsmanship that Austal is renowned for. Our design and production teams have done a superb job and have enabled us to deliver a vessel that not only meets the requirements and needs of the customer, but exceeds them in terms of quality,” Mr Bellamy said. Virtu Fast Ferries Ltd Managing Director Francis Portelli said the company had a long standing relationship with Austal and found the quality of the build outstanding. “Austal has delivered a great vessel in every way, and we are excited to bring “Jean de la Valette” into service. It has been a pleasure working with Austal throughout the build process and we are very proud to take ownership of such a high quality vessel.” The vessel was built to address the large increases in passenger and vehicle traffic, including heavy freight vehicle traffic, between Malta and Italy and features a vehicle-deck carrying capacity of 156 cars or 45 cars and 342 truck lane metres. This carrying capacity will enable Virtu Ferries to efficiently service the needs of private passengers with cars and campers, commercial tourist operators and freight companies. Vehicle loading and unloading will be achieved via ramps installed on both the stern and port-side. The vessel will also be certified for the bulk carriage of dangerous cargo such as LPG, Diesel and Petrol. Seating for the ferry’s 800 passengers is spread over two decks, each offering a passenger-friendly seating density of 2-3 seats per row, as well as a dedicated upper deck lounge area overlooking the vessel’s bow. A central staircase leads to a first class seating area featuring natural overhead lighting, a separate kiosk and two VIP lounges. Outdoor seating is also available for more than 110 passengers. At the request of Virtu Ferries, the vessel also has a dedicated lounge for commercial vehicle drivers providing them with a restful environment. Austal was awarded the contract in April 2009 following a competitive international tender process which saw Austal utilise its in-house design team and experience to develop a design that met all Virtu Ferries’ highly specific requirements for the route. The vessel was built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to the International Maritime Organisation HSC Code and Malta Flag State and Italian Port State Regulations. The vessel is registered under the Maltese Flag. The vessel is currently making the two week delivery voyage from Western Australia to Malta under her own power. PRINCIPAL PARTICULARS Length overall: 106.5 metres Length waterline: 92.4 metres Beam (moulded): 23.8 metres Depth (moulded): 9.4 metres Hull draft: 4.9 metres CAPACITY Passengers: 800 Vehicles: 156 cars or 45 cars and 342 truck lane metres Maximum deadweight: 850 tonnes Crew: 24 Fuel capacity: (maximum) 512 tonnes PROPULSION Main engines: 4 x MTU 20V 8000 M71L diesel engines Waterjets: 4 x Kamewa 125SIII CLASSIFICATION Det Norske Veritas + 1A1 HSLC R1 Passenger Car Ferry B, Category B, EO ABOUT VIRTU FERRIES Virtu Ferries has been operating high speed ferries between Malta and Sicily since 1988. "Maria Dolores" (600 passengers, 65 cars, 95 truck lane-metres) makes over 500 round trips every year between Valletta (Malta) and Pozzallo (Italy) and Catania (Italy), effectively making Malta part of mainland Europe. Venezia Lines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Virtu Ferries, has run a six month seasonal service between Venice and eight Adriatic ports in Slovenia and Croatia since 2001. Two high speed passenger ferries are deployed on this service, with a third introduced this year. Another high speed vehicle-passenger ferry operates between Bari (Italy) and Durres in Albania. Austal press release |
The 107 metre Vehicle-Passenger Ferry is set to join existing 68 metre Vehicle-Passenger Ferry “Maria Dolores” which was delivered by Austal in 2006.