Virtu ferry delayed

Delivery of the new vessel ?Maria Dolores?, under construction at Austal Ships for Virtu Ferries in Malta, has been delayed until January 2006. Originally due for delivery in the middle of this year, the delay is reportedly due to a shortage of labour in Western Australia. The vessel will have a carrying capacity of 600 passengers, 65 cars and 10 trucks and will have a cruising speed of 36 knots. Crossings to Pozzallo will take 90 minutes, Catania three hours and Reggio Calabria four hours and 30 minutes.