On Friday, December 14, at Palacrociere terminal, Costa Cruises and Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority signed the renewal of the contract to extend through 2044 the concession to the Italian cruise company for the cruise services and areas of port of Savona.
The official event was attended by President of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, Paolo Emilio Signorini, and President of Costa Cruises, Neil Palomba, who signed the agreement in the presence of President of Liguria Region, Giovanni Toti, and Mayor of Savona, Ilaria Caprioglio, as a demonstration of the importance of the moment for the future development of port of Savona.
On November 3, next year, Savona will host the christening ceremony for the new flagship, Costa Smeralda, currently under construction in Meyer shipyard in Turku, Finland. From November 9, 2019 through spring 2021, Smeralda will be in Savona port every Saturday for a week-long itinerary visiting Marseille, Barcelona, Palma, Rome and La Spezia.
In preparation for her arrival, major work will soon begin in port of Savona, for a total investment of about EUR 24 million. Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority will deepen the sea bed in front of Palacrociere main cruise terminal quay in order to increase the draught from the current -9 m asl to -11 m asl, following consolidation of the structure.
The cost of the work is estimated to be EUR 19.35 million. Costa Cruises will invest EUR 4.5 million to buy a couple of new fingers and adapt the structure of Palacrociere main cruise terminal via reorganizing the flows and spaces. The work will not interfere with the port's operation, where Costa Cruises ships are due to make 155 visits in 2019.