Update: Virtu Ferries statement below – A last-minute legal challenge has forced Ponte Ferries to delay the start of its Sicily service.

The company announced that this forced delay was due to a last-minute legal challenge with Sicilian authorities by another competing operator, which objected to Ponte’s use of the Augusta Port.

In a statement on Thursday, Ponte Ferries said it was ready to start its service from tomorrow; however, could not proceed as planned after another competing operator, which does not travel to the Augusta port, submitted a contestation at the eleventh hour against Ponte’s use of the berthing area for which it had applied last November.

The company explained that to assist customers who have booked ferry trips in the coming days, Ponte Ferries has chartered an aircraft and will also provide them with a free voucher for car rental.

Alternatively, they can claim an instant refund and will, in addition, be given a voucher to use the service for free over the next 12 months.

A spokesman for Ponte said, “we apologise to our customers first and foremost for the huge disappointment this development will inevitably cause. We know how important their holidays are and are doing everything we can to make it up to them while we work round the clock to resolve this issue.”

“Ponte’s objective from the start has been to offer an alternative ferry service to Sicily for customers who want value and a choice of operators, and we remain committed to fulfilling our mission,” the spokesperson said.

Ponte said that the offer of chartered flights to those who have reserved tickets will run till Friday, the 13th of August. Customers who have booked trips after this date will be offered a full refund and an additional voucher to travel for free over the next 12 months.

“We will be keeping our customers and the public informed of developments and are confident that our service will be fully operational within weeks,” the spokesperson said.

Ponte has set up a helpline for customers, who may call 2799 8989 for assistance with their bookings, refunds and vouchers or e-mail reservations@ponteferries.com

Update: Virtu Ferries statement

Virtu Ferries, on Thursday afternoon said, “a section of the media and social media have associated Ponte Ferries’ excuse, for not commencing their service to Sicily, with Virtu Ferries.”

In its statement, the company said that “Ponte Ferries have once again had to delay their ferry service, no doubt causing their clients much angst. This time they are seeking to conceal from their responsibility by seeking to shift the blame on Virtu Ferries, alleging that we have made a last-minute legal challenge.”

“Virtu Ferries made no such, or indeed any other, challenge. Like Ponte Ferries, we applied for berthing facilities at the Port of Augusta,” the company said. “Our respective applications take time to be considered, and neither has yet been approved.”

I went on to say that “mindful of time required and unlike our competitors we refrained from selling tickets for this route, and we will not sell until such time as our permit is approved.”

“In contrast, our competitors have, since 23rd June, been selling tickets to the public in the knowledge that they were not in a position to guarantee the service they were selling,” it said.

The company argued that, “Ponte Ferries should not have sold, and should not be selling, tickets; it is this conduct that has caused their latest predicament and, more importantly, their clients’ distress and delusion.”

Virtu concluded by saying that “Ponte Ferries are aware that to date they have not obtained the necessary permits to operate a high-speed passenger service between Malta and Sicily.”

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