New Ferry Delayed

The new vessel Maria Dolores for Virtu Ferries, due for delivery in the middle of this year, will be delivered by Austal Ship in January, according to a report by the Malta Independent Online. The delay is reportedly due to a shortage of labour in Western Australia. The vessel will carry 600 passengers in two lounges, one Club Class, 65 cars/campers and 10 trucks/TIR/coaches. The vessel has a cruising speed of 36 knots; crossings to Pozzallo will take 90 minutes, Catania three hours and Reggio Calabria four hours and 30 minutes.