The new ro-pax ferry that Fincantieri is building for the Sicilian Region was launched today at the Palermo shipyard. Delivery is scheduled for the summer of 2026.
In attendance at the launching ceremony, an occasion that marks the transition to the final outfitting phase, were Sen. Renato Schifani, President of the Sicilian Region, and Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Fincantieri.
“The new ferry, which has been given the name ‘Costanza I di Sicilia’, built entirely in the Palermo shipyard, stands out for its advanced technological features, especially in terms of environmental sustainability. With a length of approximately 140 meters and a gross tonnage of approximately 14,500 tonnes, the ship will be able to transport up to 1,000 passengers and 200 cars, reaching a maximum speed of 19 knots. Propulsion will be ensured by dual fuel engines, powered by marine gasoil and liquefied natural gas. The unit will also be equipped with a photovoltaic system that, in combination with a battery pack, will allow for zero-emission stays in port for approximately four hours,” explained a note from Fincantieri.
With this project, created with the aim of enhancing connections with the islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Pantelleria, the Sicilian Region will be the first in Italy to be the sole owner of a unit of this type. The signing of the contract between the Sicilian Region and Fincantieri, which took place in 2023, also includes an option for a second ferry.
Meanwhile, following a meeting between the mayors of the Sicilian Islands and the General Manager of the Regional Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Salvatore Lizzio, a note from the Region has foreseen (but the formal approval of at least Rome will be required) “the transfer of essential maritime connections from the State to the Sicilian Region, as has happened in other Italian Regions,” after which “a new season also opens for the Sicilian islands that will allow for a single tender divided into five lots and to bring forward to 2027 the renewal of the current state connection convention for a duration of 9 years.”
The regional note also mentions “the determination of a single fare for all companies, and not different as is currently the case, that will manage the connections, reducing the increases applied in recent years and the need to resolve the issue of fares for commuters, natives, second home owners, etc., the extension of the tourist season to the changed market conditions which record higher numbers of visitors in the spring and autumn months, and the suitability of the connection vessels.”
According to the body, “with the assumption of the State connections, the Region will have to guarantee greater resources to solve the long-standing problems of the sector, guarantee interregional connections (Naples), improve the quality of passenger transport (monohull transports in recent days have caused considerable inconvenience to passengers) and freight transport (also ensuring the safety of maintaining the ‘cold chain’ for perishable goods) and give a decisive turn to maritime transport, which is fundamental to guaranteeing full rights to island citizens.”
