Italy's ports to tighten cruise waste rules and begin major dredging

The Italian shipowners’ association Confitarma welcomed new guidance from the Ministry of the Environment on the application of EU Directive 2019/883 and national legislation (Legislative Decree 197/2021) for the collection and management of waste from cruise ships. The circular is intended to provide uniform rules for all Italian ports, especially Civitavecchia, and to improve environmental sustainability while maintaining operational efficiency.

In the Ligurian region, the Port Authority awarded a €68.5 million contract to Sidra, Carlo Agnese SpA and Agnese Costruzioni for dredging the third basin and the navigation channel at the port of La Spezia. The work will deepen the channel to –15 metres, allowing newer container and cruise vessels to berth and supporting the expansion of the LSCT and Terminal del Golfo facilities. Both initiatives aim to boost the competitiveness and ecological performance of Italy’s maritime hubs.