Mediterranean based operator Virtu Ferries recently took delivery of the 351 ft vehicle-passenger catamaran, Jean de la Vallete. The vessel marks a significant milestone for Austal being the largest catamaran built by Austal in Australia and its 24th commercial delivery to the Mediterranean region. The vessel will operate 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 223-ft vehicle-passenger ferry Maria Dolores which was delivered by Austal in 2006. 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.