| No ships in Venice

THE Government of Italy has moved to ban cruise ships from passing through the centre of Venice.

Following the return of cruise ships last month, yesterday’s decree maintains the temporary solution struck back in Mar, which forces large vessels to dock in Marghera, across the Venetian Lagoon (CW 31 Mar).

The order takes effect from next month, with the Port of Venice having launched a tender for the refurbishment of the docks a safe distance from the city centre, which will serve as a temporary port for the cruise ships.

The planned permanent solution is to build a new dock for large ships outside the entrance to the Lagoon which as of yet, has no timeline.

“This is a fundamental step to protect the environmental, landscape, artistic and cultural integrity of Venice,” said Italy’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Enrico Giovannini.

Cruise Lines International Association National Director Italy Francesco Galietti said the cruise industry has been supportive of a new approach for many years, “so this is a major step”.

“We now look forward to progress being made toward the provision of alternative docking arrangements in time for the 2022 season.”