report: Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Cristina Amirante , FVG Councilor for Infrastructure and Territory
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has approved a new five-year contract to operate seasonal maritime public transport services along the Adriatic coast and lagoon areas, a move officials say will strengthen connections between coastal destinations and the broader regional mobility network.
The contract, valued at €37 million, will cover the period from 2026 through 2030, with the possibility of an extension into 2031. The announcement was made on March 12 by Cristina Amirante, the region’s councilor for infrastructure and territory, who said the plan aims to stabilize and expand a system that has grown increasingly popular with both residents and tourists in recent years.
The seasonal routes operate alongside the broader regional public transportation system managed by Tpl Fvg, the public transport operator for Friuli Venezia Giulia. Under the new arrangement, Tpl Fvg will continue to oversee routes serving Trieste, while other maritime connections will be managed through separate service contracts.
The contract was awarded through a European public tender based on the most economically advantageous offer, with evaluation criteria weighted heavily toward technical quality. Two service groups were created: coastal maritime lines and lagoon routes. The coastal lines were awarded to Delfino Verde Navigazione, while lagoon services will be operated by Saturno and Santa Maria.
Several long-standing routes will continue to operate, including connections between Trieste, Barcola, Grignano and Sistiana, as well as services linking Trieste with Grado and the route between Lignano Sabbiadoro and Marano Lagunare.
Other routes introduced as experimental services in recent years will now become part of the regular network. These include connections between Trieste and Monfalcone, between Grado and Lignano Sabbiadoro, and between Aquileia and Grado. Another coastal route, known as the “Miramar line,” links Trieste with Porto Vivo, Barcola, Cedas and Grignano.
Ticket prices for residents of Friuli Venezia Giulia will remain unchanged compared with the previous season, officials said. Current fares for seasonal maritime routes typically range from about €3 to €5 for short coastal trips, €7 to €10 for medium routes, and up to around €10–€15 for longer journeys. Visitors from outside the region will face separate fare categories, a pricing structure officials said reflects practices common in major European tourist destinations.
