Incat chairman Robert Clifford said: 'This vessel is intended for year-round lifeline service between Malta and European Union which is an immense responsibility to the people of the islands served.'

It will become the 15th fast ferry Virtu has acquired and with a service speed up to 38 knots is to complete crossings from Malta, berth to berth, in around 90 minutes. There is also a significant increase in capacity with 43% more truck space, 15% extra passenger capacity and 7% more car space while a three class interior will offer a total of 996 seats in VIP, Business and Economy areas with a further 138 seats outside.

Modelled by Revolution Design and Seaspeed Consulting, the design has been extensively tank tested and optimised at QinetiQ, the facility in the UK which was purpose built for use by the British Navy and UK Ministry of Defence.

Virtu Ferries chairman and owner Francis Portelli commented: 'We simply want to provide passengers and freight operators with the highest levels of service, reliability and comfort yet at the same time operate an economical and environmentally sustainable high speed service. As this project has evolved over more than 12 months we have enjoyed an excellent cooperative working relationship with Incat, Revolution Design and Seaspeed Marine where they have listened to our particular requirements and continually evolved the design.'

© Shippax / Russell Plummer