The Trapani-based ferry company Liberty Lines, controlled by the Morace family, is the only player which submitted an offer for the tender launched by Invitalia, on behalf of the Italian transport ministry. It was aimed at finding an operator for the regular high-speed ferry link between the ports of Reggio Calabria (Italy mainland) and Messina (Sicily region).
Public subsidies are worth almost EUR 37 million for five years.
Liberty Lines will have to offer regular shuttle services (up to 16 round trips from Monday to Friday) between Reggio Calabria and Messina taking half an hour on each direction to cover 18.1 miles distance with hydrofoils or high-speed crafts.
