Virtu Ferries seeks licence to operate Malta-Gozo fast ferry service
Virtu Ferries files licensing application with Transport Malta for fast ferry service which will commence on 1 June
8 March 2021, 12:57pm
by Karl Azzopardi
Virtu Ferries, which operates a catamaran service between Malta and Sicily, has applied for a licence to operate a fast ferry service between Malta and Gozo.
Government wants a fast ferry service to be operational by 1 June. Virtu said that given the short timeframe it will initially use one of its existing vessels to operate the Valletta-Mġarr service and review the possibility of commissioning a specific vessel for the route in the future.
Virtu Ferries has applied for a licence to be able to provide a fast ferry service between Malta and Gozo, the company said on Monday.
Last month Transport Min
The 10th edition of The Hunt, organised by TimesEvents is being held on Saturday, March 6 and Sunday, March 7. This time around, the format of the popular treasure hunt has been adapted to ensure the safety of all participants, in view of COVID-19. However, the exciting elements are still there – so participants can still drive around the island hunting for clues. Moreover, the prizes are as generous as ever, including flight and ferry tickets, weekend breaks, beauty products, dinners, vouchers and more. All participants will also get a packed goodie bag.
The Hunt is sponsored by Transport Malta, Air Malta, Virtu Ferries, GasanMamo, GasanZammit, Chemimart, Farsons Direct, BDL, Bookbites, Crock-Pot, Casa Ellul, Delicata Wines, Epic, CMYMK, Essence of India, Grana, Hugo’s Hotels, JDS, Molisana, Landessa, Yogi Tea, Wasp, VBL Group, Tex Mex, Topaz Hotel, Perrier, Strand Palace, Sacla’, Oral-B, Nivea, Love Bites, Medik, Mr Riley, Nestle’ and NH.
Virtu Ferries has joined forces with the Maltese Italian Chamber of Commerce to push for a revival of cooperation between Maltese and Sicilian commercial entities.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll and businesses are suffering, some more than others, with the smaller entities suffering disproportionately. Virtu Ferries is introducing a revival scheme being promoted by the Chamber, through which small commercial vehicles up to 5.9 metres will benefit from discounted fares. Furthermore, with immediate effect drivers of commercial vehicle up to 5.9 metres are invited to ask a co-driver or helping hand, to accompany them free of charge, on their business return trips to Sicily or Malta.
Ponte Ferries rules out catamaran for Gozo fast ferry service
23 December 2020
Ponte Ferries, the company to start offering a new Malta-Sicily fast ferry connection, has ruled out any possibility of also making its catamaran available for the long-awaited Malta-Gozo fast ferry service.
The Shift revealed last week that Ponte Ferries Ltd, a new company registered just a few weeks ago, would be offering a new catamaran service between the two islands, challenging Virtu Ferries.
Following The Shift’s report, the company issued a statement confirming the launch of the service. Ponte Ferries said a 21-year old catamaran, the Bonanza Express, was bought by the company and renamed HSC Artemis.