Incat’s Saint John Paul II ferry undergoes sea trials ahead of its departure for Malta

A ferry is being put through its paces on the River Derwent before it takes off for service overseas. Check out just how big it is.

THE latest jewel in Incat’s crown is being put through its paces on Hobart’s River Derwent before taking off overseas.

Incat launched the 110m ferry — which will carry passengers, vehicles and other freight between Malta and Sicily — from its Derwent Park shipyards last month.

The Saint John Paul II is now undergoing sea trials before being delivered to new owner Virtu Ferries.

Light trials were conducted on Tuesday. Today, the vessel was filled with fuel at Selfs Point and heavy and speed trials are being undertaken with her new owners on board.

The vessel was named in honour of the Pope who served from 1978 to 2005.

The new Incat ferry dockside in Hobart before performing sea trials on River Derwent. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

It is the second Incat ship named in honour of a Pope — in 2013 Buquebus named their 99m Incat vessel Francisco in honour of Argentina-born Pope Francis.

The Saint John Paul II will be the largest high-speed catamaran in the Mediterranean and be able to complete the crossing from Malta to Sicily, berth to berth, in about 90 minutes.

Incat chairman Robert Clifford said Virtu Ferries was after a reliable vessel which offered passenger comfort, capacity and economy.

“Virtu Ferries is among the oldest, most respected and most discerning fast ferry operators in the world, operating a variety of high speed ship services throughout the Mediterranean and Adriatic,” Mr Clifford said.

As with all other Virtu vessels, the new Incat-built ferry will fly the Malta flag.

Incat’s latest catamaran, the Saint John Paul II, on the Hobart waterfront ahead of its sea trials. Picture: MATT THOMPSON