In a notable development, cruise ships are set to return to the primary cruise port in Venice, Marittima (Stazione Marittima), in the spring of 2027. This announcement came from Fulvio Lino Di Blasio, President of the Port Authority of Venice and Chioggia, and signifies a pivotal moment following the ban on large ships' access to San Marco, which was imposed by Prime Minister Mario Draghi in 2021.
Under the new plan, entry into Marittima will be granted exclusively to vessels with a maximum weight of 60 thousand gross tons and a length of 250 meters (820 feet). These ships will no longer traverse the iconic San Marco basin, a measure intended to address concerns regarding environmental impact and the preservation of the city's historical architecture. Instead, their access to Marittima will be rerouted through the Vittorio Emanuele III canal.
The Mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, has voiced his endorsement of this solution, underscoring the significance of sustainable development and the city's future prospects. He said:
"In the Port of Venice, we are continuing along the line that I have always supported and in which the citizens have placed their trust in me. The larger ships will approach Marghera, while the smaller ones will reach the Maritime Station through the Vittorio Emanuele canal. It is the demonstration that sustainable development is possible, combining work and the environment, looking to the future of our children."