Renato Schifani inaugurates Costanza I, Sicily’s first regional ferry

Costanza I Renato Schifani Porto Empedocle Sicily ferry dual‑fuel ferry

On 6 August 2026, regional president Renato Schifani cut the ribbon at the Porto Empedocle pier in Agrigento, officially launching the Costanza I – the first ferry owned by the Sicilian Region. Built by Fincantieri in Palermo, the 140‑metre Ropax vessel can carry up to 1 000 passengers and 200 vehicles, reaches a top speed of 19 knots and runs on dual‑fuel diesel/LNG engines complemented by a photovoltaic‑battery system that enables zero‑emission operation while docked.

The Costanza I will serve daily routes to the Pelagie islands – Lampedusa, Linosa and Pantelleria – with the inaugural midnight departure to Lampedusa after a stop at Linosa. Schifani said the launch “fulfills the commitments we made” and highlighted a recent regional investment of €220 million for social, growth and youth programmes that underpins the project. He also announced plans to procure a second similar ferry, again built in Sicily, to further strengthen inter‑island connectivity and regional development.

Entities

Caronte & Tourist · Costanza I · Costanza I ferry · Fincantieri · Lampedusa · Palermo · Porto Empedocle · Renato Schifani

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The regional administration plans to build a second similar ferry in Sicily. comunicalo.it · www.italpress.com · regione.sicilia.it
[● 3 SOURCES] Costanza I is the first ferry owned by the Sicilian Region. comunicalo.it · www.italpress.com · regione.sicilia.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] The ferry uses green‑engine technology to reduce emissions. regione.sicilia.it
[● 4 SOURCES] Renato Schifani, president of the Sicilian Region, cut the ribbon at the ceremony. www.italianotizie24.it · comunicalo.it · www.italpress.com · regione.sicilia.it
[● 3 SOURCES] The ferry was built entirely in Palermo. comunicalo.it · www.italpress.com · regione.sicilia.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] The regional government allocated 220 million euros for the project. www.italianotizie24.it
[● 3 SOURCES] The ferry will operate daily routes to the Pelagie islands, with the first voyage to Lampedusa via Linosa at midnight. comunicalo.it · www.italpress.com · regione.sicilia.it
[● 4 SOURCES] The Costanza I ferry was inaugurated at Porto Empedocle on 6 August 2026. www.italianotizie24.it · comunicalo.it · www.italpress.com · regione.sicilia.it