Ponte Ferries has said that it is continuing to assist customers after it was “forced to delay” the launch of its ferry service to Italy due to “last minute contestations to its use of the port in Augusta from a competing local operator.”

In an update on Friday, the company said that customers wishing to proceed with their holiday plans are being booked onto flights to Catania, while those who preferred to delay their trip are being fully refunded and in addition are being offered a voucher to use the service for free over the next 12 months.

It said that Ponte staff have been on hand at both Malta International Airport and Catania airport to assist customers during the check in process.

A spokesman for Ponte said, “we cannot apologise enough to our customers for this unexpected turn of events. We understand their disappointment and are working round the clock to assist them.”

“We have already ensured that a significant number did not miss out on their planned holidays and will continue to do so in the coming days,” he said.

The spokesperson concluded by saying, “we remain more determined than ever to ensure customers are offered a choice of operators on the Malta-Sicily ferry route and hope to resolve this situation in the shortest possible time.”

Ponte Ferries is a joint venture between Magro Brothers Investments Ltd and Merill Invest Ltd.

Magro Brothers of Gozo, said that it had been previously involved in the the maritime industry for over 40 years, and has re-entered the market through this investment, while the Zammit Tabona brothers have for more than four decades’ experience; having been active in this field through their holdings in Captain Morgan Cruises; iSeeMalta’s hop-on, hop-off concept; and the ferry transport service connecting Sliema, Valletta and The Three Cities.

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

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