Virtu Ferries has signed a Letter of Intent with Auckland, New Zealand-based start-up Seachange for its “unprecedented” hydrofoil, the first one capable of carrying both passengers and vehicles, according to ferry news website Shippax.

The ferry will operate on Virtu’s Valletta-Pozzallo, Sicily and Valletta-Gozo routes, and is expected to be in service by 2025.

The Foil 40 fully electric ro-pax hydrofoil is manufactured from carbon composite.

The 40-meter vessel with a capacity for 250 passengers and 200 lanemetres for vehicles and freight, equivalent to 40 cars, will cruise at a speed of 45 knots.

Seachange CEO Max Olson told Shippax: “It is clear that Virtu Ferries places a high value on passenger experience and convenience, and we are thrilled to be able to help them offer incredible sea travel experiences for their customers.

“Virtu Ferries has proven here that they are committed to emission-free transportation by exploring future sailings using Seachange hydrofoils."

With six meter long struts lifting the hulls out of the water, and advanced control algorithms, the Foil 40 will allow for sailings in sea conditions with a swell of up to five meters, offering great seakeeping and a smooth ride.

Matthew Portelli, Managing Director of Virtu Holdings, the parent company of Virtu Ferries, added: “Ferries of this size that can operate in these conditions are unprecedented - it would change the way we think and what we can offer our customers.”

The Seachange Team includes ex-America's Cup and Sail GP engineers. A prototype 24 meter version of the Foil 40, which is already under construction, is set to begin commercial operation in 2023 on the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.