Local political and transport stakeholders in Corsica are (again) calling for the creation of a regional ferry company as the only viable long-term solution to improve and stabilise year-round maritime links with the French mainland.
According to statements shared on local media channels, proponents argue that:
- Establishing a regional ferry operator would give greater control over service quality, schedules and connectivity.
- Such a company would differ from simply subsidising existing carriers. Creating it would be akin to regional nationalisation, but supporters say it could better address Corsica’s specific mobility needs.
- The proposals arise amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness and transparency of the current public service contracts and compensation framework.
These discussions take place against the backdrop of existing public service contracts running until 2030 covering passenger and freight ferry links between the mainland port of Marseille and Corsican ports such as Ajaccio, Bastia, Propriano, Porto-Vecchio and L’Île-Rousse, for which state aid arrangements have been approved under EU rules.
No official government decision has been announced yet on forming a regional operator. Debate continues among regional political leaders, the Corsican Transport Board and industry stakeholders.
Source: France Info 3 Viastella (in French)
