CORSICA linea strengthens its fleet. New ferry reduce greenhouse gas emissions

On March 26, the shipowner CORSICA linea officially received a new ferry passenger-car CAPU ROSSU of type E-Flexer. The unit was created at the CMI Jinling Weihai shipyard where it is expected to start operating on routes linking Marseille to Corsica in June.

Introduction ferry the operation is a further phase of modernisation of the shipowner's fleet and part of a wider greenhouse gas reduction programme for regional shipping.

CAPU ROSSU strengthens the LNG fleet of the shipowner CORSICA linea

Transfer of the ferry CAPU ROSSU was held at the Chinese shipyard CMI Jinling Weihai and is an important moment in the development of the fleet of the shipowner CORSICA linea. The unit is the second liquefied natural gas (LNG) ferry to operate connections between southern France and Corsica.

The plan is to start operation of the unit in June this year. Ferry will implement regular connection between by port in Marseille and ports in Corsica, strengthening the capacity of the shipowner in both the passenger and freight segments.

The introduction of the unit is part of a fleet renewal programme conducted by the shipowner CORSICA linea, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of maritime transport and to improve the energy efficiency of the ships operated.

Part of the 2030 CO2 reduction strategy

New ferry is an important part of the decarbonisation strategy implemented by the shipowner. It aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent by 2030.

The fleet modernisation programme, implemented since 2016, includes investments exceeding EUR 350 million. Its main objective is to develop low-carbon maritime transport for passenger transport and freight.

Introduction ferryThis fuelled LNG reduces atmospheric pollution and supports the development of the so-called green transport corridor between Corsica and the continental part of France.

The first unit of this type in the shipowner's fleet was ferry A GALEOTTA, which began operation in January 2023. Ferry CAPU ROSSU is the second RoPax-powered LNG ferry to operate in the Corsican connection network.

Industrial cooperation and shipowner's Jubilee

According to representatives of the shipowner, the transfer of the ferry is a confirmation of effective industrial cooperation between CORSICA linea, CMJL Jinling and Sena RoRo.

The moment of the transfer of the unit also coincided with the 10th anniversary of the shipowner's activity. During the ceremony, it was stressed that investments in modern LNG powered units are the foundation for the company's further development and competitiveness in the ferry market.

Basic parameters of the ferry CAPU ROSSU

Ferry passenger-car CAPU ROSSU It belongs to modern RoPax units adapted for the carriage of passengers and wheel loads at medium distances.

The unit has a length of 203 metres and a width of 27.8 metres, at a depth of 6.6 metres. A seat is provided on board for 1000 passengers for which 235 cabins on ten decks are prepared.

The dining rooms include a restaurant for 300 seats, a fast food bar for 250 passengers and a bar for up to 350 people. These solutions provide adequate conditions for the service of passengers during regular connections between French and Corsican ports.

Car decks allow the transport of 135 trucks and 180 passenger cars. The maximum speed of the unit is 23 knots.

The unit's drive is Wärtsilä 12V DF dual-fuel engines with a power of 13 740 kW each, adapted for the combustion of liquefied natural gas.

Towards a European ferry fleet

Transfer of the ferry CAPU ROSSU of type E-Flexer confirms the growing role of LNG propulsion in European ferry shipping. Shipowners operating on short and medium routes are increasingly investing in low-carbon units that meet increasing environmental requirements and maintain competitiveness in the transport market.

The modernisation of the CORSICA linea fleet therefore fits into the wider trend observed in the European ferry sector, where the development of LNG infrastructure and the introduction of new units are an important element of the energy transformation of maritime transport.