Virtu Ferries is “actively looking at developments in electric ship propulsion systems,” according to Managing Director Francis Portelli.
The ferry operator intends to “employ these at the appropriate time,” he said in an interview with trade publication Cruise & Ferry.
Last year, Virtu announced the signing of a letter of intent to obtain a 40m fully electric hydrofoil capable of carrying up to 250 passengers and 40 vehicles.
The agreement arises from the company’s commitment to continue updating its environmental policy.
Virtu operates ferry services to and from Sicily, and between Valletta and Gozo.
Mr Portelli described the post-pandemic travel between Malta and Sicily as experiencing “a healthy increase”.
In fact, the company reported earlier in 2023 that the number of passengers travelling by ship between Malta and Sicily has continued to grow and now exceeds pre-pandemic levels.
Virtu is forecasting a return to profitability in 2023 on the back of increasing passenger numbers on the route and strong freight demand after two years posting losses.
