TRIESTE – Venice takes a new step toward relaunching its cruise activity: final acquisition of land in Porto Marghera and launch of cold ironing works.
The contract has been signed for the transfer of ownership to APV Investimenti (the Authority’s in-house company) of an area of about 10 hectares along the northern bank of the North Canal, set to host the new passenger terminal in Porto Marghera. The purchase, following a previous acquisition by the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority, completes the plan outlined by Decree Law 103/2021 and subsequent regulations for the relocation of cruise traffic. The area, acquired for approximately 16 million euros, will be equipped with two temporary berths for ships up to 300 meters in length and outfitted with cold ironing systems—a technology that allows ships to switch off their engines while docked by connecting to the onshore power grid. The electrification works, already underway, have been assigned to NBI S.p.A. (part of the Webuild group) for an amount of 18.5 million euros, partially funded by the NRRP with Next Generation EU resources totaling 29 million. In parallel, the final design of the new passenger terminal has been completed: a two-level, 10,000-square-meter building powered by renewable energy and equipped with facilities to manage tourist flows, including arrival halls, baggage claim, customs offices, and areas for law enforcement.
The project will now undergo Environmental Impact Assessment (VIA) and Appropriate Assessment (VIncA), aimed at optimizing its environmental footprint and ensuring completion on schedule. Among the ancillary works is a 40,000-square-meter parking lot for cruise passengers, also included in the VIA process. The total value of the works exceeds 67 million euros. The terminal is expected to be operational for the 2028 cruise season.
