Vulcano hydrofoil pier opens after 11 years amid safety concerns

The new hydrofoil pier in Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, has officially entered service after an 11-year wait. While the infrastructure marks a significant milestone for local maritime transport and civil protection, its immediate activation has drawn criticism from local leadership.

Lipari Mayor Riccardo Gullo has expressed strong reservations regarding the pier's current state, noting that it lacks the structural covering and designated waiting areas originally planned in the project. Gullo highlighted concerns for vulnerable passengers, such as the elderly and children, who must wait under direct sun during boarding. He has called on the Regional Government to complete the work rather than relying on temporary solutions like gazebos and umbrellas.

Regional Tourism Councilor Elvira Amata welcomed the pier's opening, describing it as a strategic resource for both tourism and emergency management. While acknowledging the need for a permanent roof, regional officials and local deputies have supported the decision to make the pier operational immediately to facilitate island connectivity.