CORSICA linea marks a decade of operations with the delivery of the Capu Rossu, its second LNG-powered E-Flexer RoPax vessel, from the CMJL Jinling shipyard. This strategic fleet expansion strengthens the low-carbon maritime corridor between mainland France and Corsica, significantly cutting CO2 and sulfur emissions as the company targets a 40% carbon reduction by 2030.
France | March 26, 2026 – In a move that cements its position as a leader in the Mediterranean’s energy transition, CORSICA linea officially took delivery of the Capu Rossu on March 26, 2026. The vessel is the company’s second RoPax ferry powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), representing a sophisticated fusion of industrial efficiency and environmental stewardship.
The handover ceremony took place at the CMJL Jinling shipyard in Weihai, China. Attended by executives from CORSICA linea and their strategic partner Stena RoRo, the event marked the completion of a rigorous construction timeline that saw the vessel move from keel-laying to delivery in just thirteen months.
Speaking at the ceremony, Pierre-Antoine Villanova, Managing Director of CORSICA linea, highlighted the significance of the achievement:
“We experienced a moment of great emotion to celebrate the birth of the Capu Rossu thanks to the excellence of this industrial partnership with the teams of the CMJL Jinling shipyard and Stena RoRo. The arrival of a second new ship in the year of CORSICA linea’s 10th anniversary embodies the success of the company and the commitment of all our employees who keep the French flag alive in the Mediterranean.”
The E-Flexer Advantage: Efficiency by Design
The Capu Rossu is the latest iteration of the acclaimed E-Flexer series, a standardized platform developed by Stena RoRo. By utilizing a “base model” that is highly customizable, CORSICA linea has been able to bypass the protracted design phases typical of bespoke vessels while still tailoring the ship to the unique demands of the Corsica-Mainland routes.
The industrial timeline of the Capu Rossu highlights a masterclass in modern shipbuilding:
- September 2024: Steel cutting begins.
- February 2025: Keel-laying ceremony.
- Summer 2025: Successful launch and float-out.
- January 2026: Completion of sea trials, confirming performance parameters.
- March 2026: Official delivery and flag handover.
The vessel’s modular construction involved the assembly of over 300 blocks, a process that Pierre-Antoine Villanova, Managing Director of CORSICA linea, described as a testament to the “excellence of this industrial partnership.”
Decarbonizing the “Blue Corridor”
The delivery of the Capu Rossu is not merely a fleet expansion; it is a critical pillar of CORSICA linea’s 2030 Energy Transition Plan. Following in the wake of the A Galeotta (commissioned in 2023), the Capu Rossu utilizes LNG propulsion to significantly mitigate the environmental impact of maritime transport.
Environmental Impact at a Glance:
- Sulfur Oxides (SOx): Near-total elimination.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Reduced by approximately 85%.
- Particulate Matter: Reduced by 95-100%.
- CO2 Emissions: A reduction of up to 25% compared to traditional heavy fuel oil (HFO) engines.
This vessel is instrumental in the development of the first low-carbon maritime corridor between Corsica and the French mainland, aligning the company with tightening EU maritime regulations and the FuelEU Maritime standards.
Operational Outlook and 10th Anniversary Celebrations
The Capu Rossu is scheduled to depart China shortly, with an expected arrival in Marseille in May 2026. Before entering commercial service in June, the ship will serve as the centerpiece for the company’s dual-city 10th-anniversary celebrations:
- Marseille (June 11): Official baptism and inaugural ceremony.
- Ajaccio (June 12): Corsican debut and blessing.
The vessel’s entry into service is timed perfectly for the peak summer season, where its high-capacity RoPax (Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger) capabilities will provide a significant boost to the region’s supply chain and tourism infrastructure.
For CORSICA linea, the Capu Rossu represents more than just a ship; it is a floating statement of intent for a company that, in just one decade, has transformed from a regional carrier into a flagship of French maritime innovation.
About CORSICA linea: A Mediterranean Leader in Green Transition
Headquartered in Ajaccio, CORSICA linea stands as the leading employer of French seafarers in the Mediterranean, supporting a workforce of 1,400 employees, including 900 maritime professionals. Operating a versatile fleet of nine vessels, comprising two ferries and seven RoPax ships, the company maintains year-round vital links between Marseille and the Corsican ports of Bastia, Ajaccio, Propriano, and Île-Rousse. Beyond its domestic public service missions, the carrier extends its reach to North Africa, providing critical maritime bridges to major hubs in Algeria and Tunisia.
Driven by a rigorous decarbonization roadmap, CORSICA linea is transforming Mediterranean shipping through its 2030 Energy Transition Plan. By the end of 2024, the company achieved a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions per nautical mile compared to its 2022 baseline. This progress is backed by significant investments in shore-side electricity at the Port of Marseille and the deployment of LNG-powered vessels. Looking ahead, the company has committed to a 40% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, with the ultimate ambition of reaching net-zero carbon neutrality by 2040.
Source: CORSICA linea