Delivery of "Jean de la Vallete"

The vessel marks a significant milestone for the Australian shipyard Austal being the largest catamaran built by Austal and its 24th commercial delivery to the Mediterranean region.

The vessel was built to address the large increases in passenger and vehicle traffic, including heavy freight vehicle traffic, between Malta and Italy and is designed to carry 800 passengers and 156 cars (or 45 cars and 342 truck lane metres) at an operational speed of up to 40 knots. “Jean de la Valette” will join Virtu Ferries’ existing 68 metre vehicle-passenger ferry “Maria Dolores” which was delivered by Austal in 2006.

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.