Italian ro-ro and shortsea operator Grimaldi Lines is increasing the frequency of its three times per week Catania-Genoa service to four times per week.

The increase ups weekly freight carrying capacity by 30% to Catania, the industrial hub of Sicily.

The line is also set to include a call at the Maltese port of Valetta on its weekly Rome-Catania service.

Guido Grimaldi, the carrier's shortsea lines commercial manager, said: "Our ships have been serving the ports of Catania, Palermo and Trapani for years by providing efficient services for the transport of goods to and from Sicily, thus contributing to enhance Sicily's mobility and economic cohesion with the rest of Europe."

"The increase of frequency to four weekly departures on the Catania-Genoa route proves our willingness to become the most efficient and strongest economic tool for the transport of goods between Sicily and the rest of Europe."

"Travelling by sea avoids road traffic and exhausting driving hours to northern Italy, while generating important savings."