UK shipbuilder Wight Shipyard Co. is continuing its success in the fast ferry sector having secured an order for four vessels from Malta’s tourism leader. The order, from Captain Morgan Holdings Ltd, a subsidiary of Fortina Investments Ltd, consists of four new build vessels, two 20m and two 33m catamarans, all to be designed by One2Three Naval Architects.

Peter Morton, CEO, Wight Shipyard, said: "We have been working with One2Three to develop lighter, more fuel-efficient ferries with the subsequent reduction of fuel costs. The operators see the long-term benefits in using less fuel and thereby reducing carbon emissions.”

The two new build 20m harbour waterbus vessels will replace a number of older vessels, which already service the harbour routes. Designed specifically to service the low wharves at each harbour, a new boarding design will provide easy boarding and disembarkation for harbour cruise passengers. The two 33m medium speed vessels are a new design for Wight Shipyard, based on a commuter boat currently used on Sydney harbour.

Fortina Investments CEO Edward Zammit Tabona said: “We are very excited about this venture and collaboration with Wight Shipyard, which is renowned for its high standards and attention to detail. We are looking forward to launching these vessels in Malta’s seas in May 2020, which will see Captain Morgan Group take its sea and land transport services to another level.”

The new vessels are set to form an integral part of Fortina Investments’ innovative iSeeMalta concept, which provides visitors with access through a single pass to the ferry service, City Sightseeing buses, public transport as well as museums, Heritage Malta sites, entertainment spots and other attractions.

Wight Shipyard Co. has seen marked success in the fast ferry sector since its inception, and this latest order will take the yard to 13 new builds in just over four years.