The boat, a 390T, 316-passenger, high-speed catamaran San Pawl, has just been relaunched following its annual statutory out-of-water maintenance and surveys.
‘We will continue to operate her as an internationally certified passenger ship, in the same way the previous owners have done,’ said Islands Unlimited CEO Chad Murray, who is currently in Malta working on the ship.
‘She will remain under the Maltese flag and will enjoy the high standards of the high-speed craft expert classification society, DNV. As a reputable EU maritime flag administration, Malta enforces strict standards on all of its ships. Part of the conditions to keep the vessel fully certified is to conduct annual out-of-water surveys and maintenance, as part of ongoing safety compliance.
‘I have been really pleased with how the works and surveys have gone, resulting in a clean bill of health for another year.’
Over the past few months, Islands Unlimited has been undergoing familiarisation and handover training ahead of taking over the ship.
This has consisted of in-depth explanations of all systems and machinery, including when the vessel has been operating at sea.
‘We are really pleased with the ship,’ said Captain Murray.
‘Whilst she is old in terms of age, her previous operator, Virtu Ferries, have clearly looked after her throughout her life and she continues to offer a safe and reliable option for inter-island foot passengers.
‘I’ve spent a number of days operating her as master on the route here in Malta and have been impressed with her sea-keeping qualities and manoeuvrability. As a surface effect ship, the air cushion system provides good comfort, even in moderate to rough sea conditions, as well as good efficiency and speed.’
The operator will transfer the ferry from Malta to Guernsey at the beginning of May, using a specialist heavy lift ship.
A bespoke cradle is currently being fabricated for the lifting operation, which will see the ship carried on the deck of the larger carrier.
‘Timescales are tight and so we are looking to get as much done before the heavy lift operation while the ship is still in Malta,’ said Captain Murray.
‘When she arrives in Guernsey mid-May, the focus will be on safety and familiarisation training, drills and operational trials, as well as setting up elements such as the onboard cafe and bar. We are comfortable with the timeline, but there isn’t much room for delay.’
The company took advantage of the ferry being at the shipyard to apply their new livery to the vessel, which is now complete.
Islands Unlimited will operate a daily service between Guernsey and Jersey from 30 May 2025. Bookings can be made at www.islands-unlimited.com.
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