Today in the Palermo shipyard of Fincantieri it is The first sheet metal for the new ferry was cut destined for the Sicilian Region which will serve the sections between the Sicily and the islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Pantelleria. The start of the works comes after the signing of the contract between the Region Siciliana and Fincantieri occurred in 2023, for an amount based on auction price of almost 120 million euros. The contract also includes the option for a second ferry ( of 9 October 2023 and 13 September 2024).

Delivery of the ship is scheduled for 2026. The new ferry, a Ropax Class A, will be about 140 meters long and it will have a gross tonnage of about 14,500 tons. The ship It will be able to carry up to 1,000 passengers and 200 cars reaching a maximum speed of 19 knots. Propulsion will be ensured by a dual fuel engine powered by diesel and liquefied natural gas. The unit will also have a photovoltaic system which, in combination with a battery pack, will allow the stay in port with zero emissions for about four hours.

With this project, the Sicilian Region will be the first in Italy to be the total owner of a this type.