A ship the size of Queen Mary will no longer be allowed to dock in Venice.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) welcomes the decision by the Italian Government to allow for a long-awaited alternative route for cruise ships to access Venice.
The Italian government has banned large cruise ships from passing through the center of Venice, declaring the surrounding lagoon a national monument after years of international outcry over the liners causing permanent harm to the fragile city.
“Ships will no longer pass in front of St. Mark’s or the Giudecca Canal,” he said, referring to the route they traditionally take through the center of the city.
The law applies to ships weighing more than 25,000 tons, measuring more than 590 feet long, or more than 115 feet high.
“It is not going too far to define this day as historic,” said Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, adding that the decree would go into effect on August 1.
For several years, CLIA and its members have been supportive of the Government’s ambition to identify a long-awaited alternative water route to serve Venice. This decision has finally identified this alternative route and port.
The cruise industry has over the years cooperated with national and local authorities constructively throughout as authorities have searched for a sustainable solution to this long-standing and complex challenge.
Commenting on the announcement, Francesco Galietti, CLIA Italy National Director said:
“We are pleased that the Italian Government has taken this decision on an alternative route as the cruise industry has been supportive of a new approach for many years. The Government’s decision to appoint a special Commissioner to fast track the process is also a welcome development. We now look forward to progress being made towards the provision of alternative docking arrangements in time for the 2022 season.”
The cruise industry provides a significant contribution to national economies. In Italy alone, the cruise sector generates a turnover of €14 billion every year, supporting over 120,000 jobs (direct and indirect).
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