Since its establishment in 1993, Ustica Lines has undergone a rapid growth in both its service vessels and routes. Beginning with two routes, one from Naples to the island of Ustica, and another from Trapani to the Tunisian port of Kelibia, Ustica Lines is now one of Italy’s and Europe’s most renowned hydrofoil transport companies.

As of 2008, Ustica Lines comprised of 30 vessels transporting over 1.5 million passengers throughout the year. Ustica Lines handle several routes between Naples, Sicily, and the numerous surrounding islands. Ustica Lines also operate routes on ro-ro vessels, between Livorn on Italy’s northern mainland coast, Tunisia, Sicily and Spain.

There are several crossings daily between Sicily and the Egadi Islands, such as the Marsala – Favignana – Levanzo route, and the Trapani-Favignana route which occurs between 6-10 times daily. From Naples, the route to Levanzo takes about six hours, and departs three or four times a week. The crossing to Ustica takes about four hours and also makes several connections each week.

Ustica Lines operates several different vessels and vessel types. The fastest ships are the relatively new hydrofoil series, including the Hydrofoil Foilmaster HSC and the Hydrofoil RHS 160 and RHS 160 F DSC. These high-speed vessels can travel at speeds between 36 and 40 knots, and greatly reduce surface turbulence.

Some of the faster hydrofoils are the Ettore M, Natalie M, and the Eduardo M, which hold a capacity of between 120 and 240 passengers, depending on the ship. These vessels are equipped with electronic stabilizing, a bar, TV, comfortable recliner seating, and air-conditioning.

The Ustica Lines also use catamarans with HSC wings, monohull ships, ro-pax combi ships and ro-ro cargo vessels for their routes. The catamarans and monohulls travel at comparably slower speeds than the hydrofoils, but do offer the same services and facilities, such as TV, reclining seats and air-conditioning.

Tags: Egadi Islands, Italy, Naples, Sicily, Spain, Tunisia, Ustica Lines Ferries