Major ferry operators
Liberty Lines
Liberty Lines is an Italian high-speed passenger ferry operator founded in 1993 as Ustica Lines by Captain Vittorio Morace, a Neapolitan shipowner. Headquartered in Trapani, Sicily, the company rebranded to Liberty Lines in 2016 after acquiring Siremar - Compagnia delle Isole and Traghetti delle Isole. Today Liberty Lines is the largest fast passenger transport company in Italy, carrying around 3.5 million passengers a year between Sicily, the Aeolian, Egadi and Pelagie islands, Pantelleria, Ustica and Calabria, with seasonal extensions to the Istrian coast.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1993 as Ustica Lines
- Founder
- Captain Vittorio Morace, Neapolitan shipowner
- Renamed Liberty Lines
- 2016, after acquiring Siremar and Traghetti delle Isole
- Headquarters
- Trapani, Sicily, Italy
- Service area
- Sicily, Aeolian, Egadi, Pelagie, Ustica, Pantelleria, Calabria, Istrian coast (seasonal)
- Fleet
- 30+ HSC vessels (hydrofoils, catamarans, monohulls)
- Annual passengers
- Around 3.5 million
- Employees
- 750+
- 2024 milestone
- HSC Vittorio Morace, world's first high-speed hybrid ferry
- Hybrid units in fleet
- 8
- 2022 contract
- 5-year Sicilian Region tender, 100,000+ departures/year through 2028
- Vehicles carried
- No (foot passengers only)
- Children 0-3
- Free
- Children 4-11
- Discounted
- Pets
- Allowed on board (ticket required)
Official websitelibertylines.it
Top Liberty Lines routes on SimpleFerry
- Trapani → Favignana → Levanzo → Marettimo (Egadi)
- Milazzo → Vulcano → Lipari → Salina (Santa Marina, Rinella) → Panarea → Stromboli → Ginostra → Filicudi → Alicudi (Aeolian)
- Palermo → Ustica
- Trapani → Pantelleria
- Porto Empedocle → Lampedusa → Linosa (Pelagie)
- Messina → Reggio Calabria → Villa San Giovanni (Strait of Messina)
- Palermo → Stromboli → Lipari → Vulcano → Filicudi → Alicudi (long line)
- Vibo Valentia → Milazzo → Aeolian Islands (seasonal)
- Trieste → Rovinj → Poreč → Piran (Slovenia/Croatia, seasonal)
Fleet and onboard experience
Liberty Lines operates a fleet of more than 30 high-speed craft including hydrofoils, catamarans and monohulls. The 2024 launch of HSC Vittorio Morace introduced the world's first high-speed hybrid passenger ferry, and eight new-generation hybrid units now operate routes between Sicily and the surrounding smaller islands. The hybrid ships reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 30% and NOx by approximately 80% compared to similar vessels in operation, and can navigate in electric mode in port. The company is the only one globally with its own dedicated shipyard. All vessels offer airline-type seats and a separate Business class section with larger seats on the upper deck. Cabin crew is trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility; ramps and accessible spaces are available on selected vessels, and assistance can be arranged in advance. The fleet is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified. Liberty Lines also holds a five-year Sicilian Region public-service tender awarded in December 2022, providing more than 100,000 scheduled departures a year through the end of 2028.
Booking, check-in and luggage on SimpleFerry
On SimpleFerry, Liberty Lines tickets are bookable in real time with instant e-ticket delivery. Liberty Lines is a foot-passenger-only operator; cars, motorbikes and other vehicles cannot be transported on its high-speed fleet. Passengers should check in at the pier following the schedule indicated on the ticket; for passengers requiring assistance, the support team should be informed at least 48 hours in advance and the passenger should arrive 30 minutes before departure at the designated location. Passenger luggage may be left in a designated area next to the garage entrance or carried with the passenger on board.
Pet policy
Pets are welcome on Liberty Lines vessels and require a ticket, which can be added to the booking. Owners are responsible for the pet's care, safety and hygiene, and small dogs and cats are typically transported in a carrier.
Frequently asked questions
Does Liberty Lines carry vehicles?
No. The Liberty Lines fleet is for foot passengers only. Cars, motorbikes and campers cannot be transported on Liberty Lines high-speed vessels.
What discounts are available for children?
Infants from 0 to 3 years travel free without a reserved seat on the Sicily and Calabria routes; children aged 4 to 11 receive a fare reduction on the same routes.
Are pets allowed on board?
Yes. Pets are welcome on board and need their own ticket. Owners are responsible for the pet's care and hygiene throughout the trip.
What if I have reduced mobility?
Liberty Lines offers wheelchair accessibility on some vessels, with ramps and dedicated spaces. Inform the support team at least 48 hours in advance and arrive 30 minutes before departure at the designated location for assistance.
Book Liberty Lines ferries
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