Working Conditions Aboard the Piana

On the morning of June 7, 2025, a fire erupted on a trailer aboard the ferry 'Piana' while docked at berth 70 of the Arenc ferry terminal in Marseille, soon after passengers from Ajaccio had disembarked. The Marseille fire brigade swiftly responded by deploying one of their two specialized fireboats, alongside a tugboat from Boluda, to cool the vessel's hull from the outside. Fortunately, the blaze was contained quickly, with no reported injuries or environmental pollution. Despite the effective response, the 'Piana' had to cancel its scheduled departure for Corsica. The ferry was able to resume its operations on June 9, continuing its route to Ajaccio. For further details and images of the incident, click here: https://lemarin.ouest-france.fr/shipping/le-piana-de-la-meridionale-reste-a-quai-a-marseille-apres-lincendie-dune-remorque-9aec3f10-43b2-11f0-b321-9f4333574570.

On the evening of May 8, 2014, the ferry 'Piana', stationed off the coast of Toulon, reported a critical medical emergency involving a 70-year-old passenger experiencing respiratory difficulties. Promptly responding to the distress signal, the Center for Maritime Medical Consultation in Toulouse (CCMT) coordinated the evacuation efforts. The CROSS Med swiftly deployed a Navy Dauphin helicopter equipped with medical personnel to assist. The passenger was successfully hoisted and airlifted to St. Anne Hospital in Toulon for immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, the ferry continued its journey from Marseille heading towards Bastia, ensuring the safety of its other passengers.

In a remarkable accolade, two vessels crafted at the renowned Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia have been highlighted in the 'Significant Ships 2011' publication. This prestigious recognition, featured in a specialized edition of The Naval Architect magazine by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), underscores the engineering prowess of these vessels. Among them, the Ferry Piana stands out, designed specifically for the seamless transportation of passengers, personal vehicles, commercial freight, and hazardous materials. Notably, Piana is the inaugural ro-pax vessel constructed in accordance with rigorous new regulations that prioritise stability, safety, and environmental sustainability. The ship was officially delivered to its client, Croatian Radio Television (HRT), in December 2011, signaling a significant milestone in maritime transport innovation. This acknowledgment by the 'Significant Ships 2011' publication enhances Piana's reputation as a leading example of modern shipbuilding.