Corsica Linea

Who they are

Corsica Linea is the Marseille-based ferry operator that took over most of the Marseille–Corsica routes after the collapse of SNCM, the historic state-linked operator. It was established in January 2016, after SNCM went into receivership, by a consortium of Corsican businesses (Corsica Marittima), which merged the following month with Patrick Rocca's Maritime Corse Méditerranée. It operates as a private company under a public-service delegation (DSP) from the Collectivité de Corse, which subsidises year-round connections between Marseille and the island.

The current contract runs from 2023 to the end of 2029 and was approved by the European Commission. It requires overnight sailings from Marseille to Corsica's five main ports throughout the year, including the quieter autumn and winter months when a purely commercial operator might cut back.

Network and routes

All of Corsica Linea's Corsican services depart from Marseille. The company serves four Corsican ports: Bastia on the northeast coast, Ajaccio on the west, L'Île-Rousse in the Balagne region of the northwest, and Propriano in the south-west, which it took over from La Méridionale under the 2023 contract.

The schedule is built around overnight sailings, typically a late-evening departure from Marseille that arrives in Corsica the following morning. This pattern suits most travellers, who avoid losing a day of holiday to the crossing and save a night's accommodation in the process. Cabins are available in several categories.

On Ajaccio, Corsica Linea shares the public-service contract with La Méridionale, with the two companies splitting the sailings. Bastia, L'Île-Rousse and Propriano are Corsica Linea routes, while La Méridionale serves Porto-Vecchio.

Separately, Corsica Linea operates a significant North African network: from Marseille to Algiers, Béjaïa and Skikda in Algeria and to Tunis in Tunisia, and from Sète to Skikda and Béjaïa. These routes carry large passenger volumes from the Franco-Algerian and Franco-Tunisian communities.

Fleet and on board

Corsica Linea operates large ro-pax ferries suited to the overnight run, including Pascal Paoli, Paglia Orba, Jean Nicoli, Vizzavona and Danielle Casanova. It is investing in cleaner ships: A Galeotta (2023) was the first ferry serving Corsica to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), and a second new LNG ship, Capu Rossu, was delivered in March 2026 for Marseille–Corsica service from June 2026. Ships carry cars, campervans, coaches and motorcycles alongside passengers.

Passenger accommodation spans multiple cabin grades as well as lounge seating for those who prefer not to book a cabin. There is a restaurant, a self-service cafeteria, a bar, and often a small shop on board. On overnight crossings, the quality of your cabin booking determines much of the experience; a basic cabin is fine for a single night, while private cabins are worth the upgrade for families or couples.

Booking and tips

Corsica Linea's summer season, roughly mid-June through September, is the busiest period and advance booking is essential, particularly if you are bringing a vehicle. Vehicle space on peak July and August sailings sells out early.

Outside summer, the public-service contract keeps sailings running with lower demand and far more availability. Shoulder-season crossings in May, early June and October offer the best combination of good weather and relaxed booking conditions.

The company's website allows cabin and vehicle add-ons at the time of booking, and regular travellers can join its linea CLUB loyalty scheme. If you are combining a Corsica visit with time in Marseille, arriving the afternoon before departure and boarding in the early evening is a comfortable way to start the trip.