Without a response from the government, there is a risk of supply reductions or even the discontinuation of certain connections because current fuel prices are making operations loss-making.Image: keystone
April 12, 2026, 11:20April 12, 2026, 11:20
The high fuel costs resulting from the Iran war also affect ferry traffic. The Italian shipping associations Assarmatori and Confitarma warn of possible interruptions in connections or a reduction in supply if fuel prices remain at current levels. Important ferry connections lead to Sardinia and Sicily, for example.
“Maritime transport, and in particular the ferry sector, is crucial for maintaining connections with the islands in a country like Italy, which has the largest island population in Europe with over 6.5 million people,” emphasized Mario Zanetti, President of Confitarma, and Stefano Messina, President of Assarmatori, according to the daily newspaper “Corriere della Sera”.
The associations have asked the government for support, proposing an exceptional tax credit program based on the higher fuel costs in March, April and May compared to February. This request has so far been rejected by the government.
However, the shipping associations want to resubmit their request and warn of an impairment of connections – especially long-haul connections to the larger islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Without a response from the government, there is a risk of supply reductions or even the discontinuation of certain connections because current fuel prices are making operations loss-making.
The long-distance connections to the islands are at risk, especially to Sardinia (e.g. Genoa-Olbia) and to Sicily (e.g. Genoa-Palermo). The danger is lower on short routes because the frequency of trips could be reduced without endangering the continuity of the service, the shipping associations emphasized.
“The increase in energy costs affects everyone, including maritime transport,” admits Matteo Catani, CEO of the shipping company GNV (Grandi Navi Veloci). “However, we can reassure our passengers: the fuel supply is secure. We have stable supply contracts with our partners,” explained Catani. Nevertheless, there is “a real problem with fuel costs” that cannot be kept quiet.
In the meantime, GNV has taken internal measures to reduce the impact of high costs. «We have introduced commercial strategies aimed at better utilization of ships. The higher the utilization rate, the more competitive we can make the prices and absorb the extra costs of fuel,” added Catani. (sda/apa)