Rovinj – "International ferry services connecting Trieste with the Slovenian coast and Croatia's Istrian peninsula resume today. Following the excellent results achieved during the summer of 2025, the service has once again proven to be one of the most effective tools for promoting sustainable mobility, cross-border tourism and stronger integration across the Northern Adriatic." The announcement was made by Cristina Amirante, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Councillor for Infrastructure and Territory. Last year, the high-speed route linking Trieste, Piran, Poreč, Rovinj and Mali Lošinj carried approximately 18,000 passengers, with an average occupancy rate of 75 percent, marking a 3 percent increase compared with 2023. "The figures confirm the value of the Region's €4.5 million investment and the service's ability to attract both local residents and international visitors," Amirante said. Operated by Liberty Lines under an agreement supported by the regional government, the ferry service will run until August 31, connecting the regional capital with Piran, Poreč, Rovinj and Mali Lošinj. The vessel assigned to the route has already arrived in the Port of Trieste, where final technical and operational preparations are underway before the launch of services. "These international maritime connections further strengthen Friuli Venezia Giulia's role as the natural gateway to the Northern Adriatic and to Slovenia and Croatia," Amirante added. "The sea is once again becoming vital transport infrastructure capable of connecting territories, encouraging tourism and providing residents and visitors with a sustainable alternative to travelling by car”. The service will operate six days a week, with no sailings on Tuesdays, allowing passengers to reach some of the Northern Adriatic's most popular tourist destinations directly from the Port of Trieste. Special fares will be available for families, while pets will be welcome on board and accessibility measures will be provided for passengers with disabilities and their companions. The initiative forms part of the regional government's broader strategy to expand maritime public transport, which in recent years has strengthened sea links along the Friuli Venezia Giulia coastline and enhanced international connections with neighbouring countries. "Our goal is to create an increasingly integrated transport system," Amirante concluded, "where railways, buses, cycle routes and maritime services work together to provide residents and visitors with a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable mobility network. International sea connections are an essential part of this strategy." (9colonne)