Update on ferry operations

Further to the announcement published by Virtu Finance plc on 12 June, 2020, providing updates on the operations of the group of companies of which the company forms part (the “Virtu Maritime Group”), the Board of Directors of the company wishes to inform the market of the most recent developments relating to group operations.

The M/V JEAN DE LA VALETTE is currently under charter, operating on the route connecting the main island of Trinidad to its sister island of Tobago until the end of 2020. Upon the expiration of the existing charter party agreement, during the first quarter of 2021 the Virtu Maritime Group intends to deploy the M/V JEAN DE LA VALETTE as a second vessel operating on the group’s MaltaSicily route.

Whilst the M/V SAINT JOHN PAUL II will continue to operate between the ports of Valletta and Pozzallo, the M/V JEAN DE LA VALETTE shall be operating between the ports of Valletta, Augusta and Catania.

The additional deployment of the M/V JEAN DE LA VALETTE as a second vessel operating between Malta and Sicily is intended to permit the Virtu Maritime Group to continue to meet the increasing requirements of Maltese and Sicilian importers and exporters, while continuing to work towards supporting trade and tourism between the two islands.

Since its return to the Valletta Grand Harbour in late March 2020, the M/V MARIA DOLORES has undergone an extensive refit in preparation of its resumption of operations on the route between Morocco and Spain.

The Virtu Maritime Group will continue to monitor the ongoing situation in Malta, Italy and all other territories in which its fleet operates, whilst treating the health and safety of all of its crew and passengers with utmost priority.

The market will be kept duly informed of developments relative to the operations of the Virtu Maritime Group.