TRIESTE – Beniamino Maltese, vice-president of Confitarma and vice-president of Costa Crociere, spoke at the Senate on the protection of work in Venice. Maltese spoke at the Hearing on the bill n.2329, conversion of Dl 103/2021 on measures for the safeguarding of Venice and the protection of work.
«The cruise companies and Confitarma join the responsible effort of the country. However, we were surprised about the decision to fix the date of the stop with a warning of alone 15 days – said Maltese – this will cause an inevitable slowdown in the recovery of the cruise industry, already seriously affected by the pandemic and also of the economic restoration of Venice and the Country: they approximately draw about 13% of GDP from the tourism and to which the cruises significantly contribute».
As far as alternative berths are concerned, in addition to those planned at Marghera Nord, Confitarma suggests the possibility of creating greater synergies with the Port of Trieste (Porto Vecchio), subject to agreement with the icensee of the quays.
Again according to the shipowners, the licensee Venezia Terminal Passeggeri (VTP) must continue to play a role of guarantee and ability to maintain employment for all the activities that revolve around the operations of a ship (tugs, pilots, shippers, baggage handlers, bunkers, logistics operators). Secondly, Confitarma calls for the Extraordinary Commissioner to be granted delegated powers to replicate the “Genoa model” which has made it possible to rebuild the Morandi Bridge in record time.