MSC Moby has left the port of Catania for the maiden voyage of the Catania-Malta operated by Tirrenia.

Tirrenia, was acquired by the Italian Navigation Company (CIN) in July 2012. CIN is formed by Moby (40%), Hourglass (35%), Luigi Negri GIP (15%) and Shipping Investment Francesco Izzo (10%). Subsequently, Moby’s holding company, Tirrenia-CIN and Toremar - has forged an agreement with the Aponte group (Grandi Navi Veloci, SNAV, MSC).

With this new acquisition, which has been recently  repaired and refurbished at Palumbo Shipyards in Malta, Tirrenia has embarked on a new concept for its ferries. No longer simply a means of transportation but a real cruise with elegant lounges, cocktails by the pool and concerts.

In addition to investments on new routes Tirrenia, also announced a series of investments in the port of Catania, in collaboration with local authorities such as the Port Authority, to create a customised infrastructure suitable to its requirements.

The aim is to create in Catania a real hub for future connections with North Africa and the Mediterranean basin.

The new routes which will be inaugurated in September (Leghorn-Catania and Catania-Malta) will be ro-pax, i.e. passengers will be able to take their own car, take advantage of the comfortable cabins and enjoy the journey as if it were a mini cruise.

The company will launch three ships for its new routes which, when fully operational, will employ around 350 people.