The launch of the Ragusa Xpress catamaran ferry service between Malta and Sicily has been delayed once again, with operators missing the promised September start date. As of now, no new timeline has been provided for when the service will begin operations.

Initially scheduled to launch in late spring of this year, the Ragusa Xpress has now experienced its second postponement. According to a spokesperson for the company, the earlier delay was caused by issues with obtaining necessary permits. Despite assurances that the ferry would be operational in September 2024, a specific start date was never confirmed.

"Our plan was to start operating earlier; however, there were some delays in permits. That being said, work is still ongoing, and currently the vessel is in Marina di Ragusa for the installation of the car and passenger ramps," the operators told Times of Malta.

A spokesperson for Transport Malta further explained that the vessel is currently preparing for a sea trial in the port of Ragusa.

"The vessel is currently planning to call at the port of Ragusa for a sea trial focused on testing the embarkation and disembarkation equipment. At this stage, the vessel has not yet commenced commercial operations," the spokesperson told the newspaper.

The ferry service is being run by a company owned by local businessman Paul Gauci, whose PG Group manages the Pavi and Pama supermarkets and Malta’s Zara franchise. He is also the owner of one of Sicily’s main marinas, Marina di Ragusa’s Porto Turistico.

The Ragusa Xpress, previously operated by Virtu Ferries, has the capacity to carry up to 430 passengers and 21 cars. The crossing between Grand Harbour in Malta and Marina di Ragusa is expected to take around one hour and 45 minutes.