Genoa-Porto Torres, Naples-Cagliari-Palermo, and Civitavecchia-Arbatax-Cagliari: these are the three routes put out to tender by the Ministry of Transport to ensure maritime territorial continuity in Sardinia. A total of €190.8 million is at stake. The concessions, according to a statement from the ministry, will last 60 months, extendable for an additional 36 months, and will guarantee the regular operation of the connection services. Interested operators are invited to submit their offers by July 1st. The tender also includes a maximum tariff, which may be subject to reduction when the offers are received. The Olbia connections are excluded.
Genoa-Porto Torres
The vessels operating the route between Genoa and Porto Torres must be no older than 25 years. They are expected to have a "passenger capacity of no less than 1,100 passengers, of which at least 650 must be in permanent accommodation (cabins or seats)." In the event of a breakdown or force majeure, "a replacement vessel must in any case be made available for service within 48 hours of the event." A total of 486 round-trip trips will be guaranteed annually. This means 243 departures from Porto Torres and Genoa, respectively. The route is worth €54.8 million for the entire period, including any extensions. For residents, a deck passage will cost €30.19, an outside double room €36.19, and an inside double room €28.95. Non-residents in cabins will pay a minimum of €28 and a maximum of €72 during the high season, and up to €60 for a deck passage in the summer.
Naples-Cagliari-Palermo
The southernmost route is worth a €62.5 million contract: 312 single trips per year on the Naples-Cagliari route, and 104 on the Cagliari-Palermo route. The vessels must be under 25 years old and be able to carry a minimum of 1,000 passengers. Residents pay a maximum of €26.09 for a deck, €31.37 for a double outside cabin, and €25.10 for an inside cabin. For non-residents, the fares vary: a deck ticket costs €37 in low season and €52 in high season, while the most expensive ticket, €62.74, is for a double outside cabin in high season.
Cagliari-Arbatax-Civitavecchia
The most expensive route is between Civitavecchia and Cagliari, with limited stops also in Arbatax: it's worth €73,518,361. Of the 312 total trips (three weekly round-trips), Ogliastra is scheduled to dock 208 times. The ship's specifications are the same as those on the other routes. A resident making the short trip between the mainland and Cagliari pays just under €26 (€21 to Arbatax), while a non-resident pays €52 in high season (€42 to Arbatax). Sardinians will pay a maximum of €31.25 for a cabin (€26 to Arbatax from Civitavecchia), while a non-resident traveling in a double cabin in high season will pay €62.50.