Port of Venice, businesses call for a clear development plan

TRIESTE – With 22,000 direct and indirect workers, over 23.5 million tonnes of cargo handled, and an annual added value of €6.5 billion, the Port of Venice remains a pillar of the local economy. But its future depends on shared strategic choices, adequate infrastructure, and effective governance.

This was the key message that emerged yesterday morning in Marghera during the conference “The ports of Venice and Chioggia: what future for a key asset of the local economy?”, the second in a series of events jointly promoted by Confcommercio, Confartigianato, CNA, and Confesercenti. The deputy mayor, Andrea Tomaello, was also present.

Among the speakers was Davide Calderan, president of the Venice Port Community, who stressed the urgency of addressing the unresolved issues facing the port:

“We want to believe that from the central government to the Port Authority, including the Region, the Municipality, and all those with jurisdiction over the lagoon (Harbour Master’s Office, Lagoon Authority, etc.), everyone will do their part. There is a real need to quickly clarify key issues for the port such as 24-hour operations, the future of Isola delle Tresse, dredging of the Malamocco–Marghera and Vittorio Emanuele canals, the construction of the North Canal cruise terminal (taking into account the operators already present), the development of the Montesyndial terminal, and the management of the MOSE system.”

“If public authorities fail to fully address these needs, the risk is a stagnation that could bring the port to a sudden halt. Instead, the port economy is — and can continue to be — a real alternative to the mass tourism that is swallowing the city. Today, the port is a vibrant, healthy, and essential economic sector for the entire Northeast, not just for Veneto,” Calderan continued. “We must create the conditions for it to continue to prosper, grow, and develop. To support this growth, it is essential that all stakeholders — starting with the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority (AdSPMAS), which has just published excellent financial results — invest the resources currently available.”

The event is part of a series of meetings that will lead to the drafting of a shared document to be submitted to institutions, with concrete proposals for revitalising the port.