After over four decades of faithful service on the Strait of Messina, the double-ended ferry RIACE is heading for retirement.
Built in 1983 and capable of carrying 393 passengers and 300 lane metres of vehicles, she has long been a vital link between Sicily and Calabria. Now, she awaits her final journey to Turkey for scrapping.
Her replacement? The SIKANIA II – a brand-new hybrid ferry currently being built by Celt in Greece. With a length of 105 metres, the vessel is designed to carry 22 heavy vehicles or 125 cars, along with 400 passengers. She will soon take over the route between Villa San Giovanni and Messina.
Bluferries’ fleet renewal is well underway — combining sustainability, innovation, and continuity for one of Italy’s most iconic ferry crossings.
Photo ©ML
