Taranto awarded €55 million from Italy's Just Transition Fund for Sea Hub coastal revival

The regional government of Puglia approved a funding package exceeding €55 million for the Sea Hub project in Taranto. The allocation will enable a negotiated procedure between the region, the municipality of Taranto and the Extraordinary Commissioner responsible for urgent remediation, environmentalisation and redevelopment of the coastal area.

The plan designates €42 million to the Taranto municipality for three intervention clusters focused on upgrading infrastructure, supporting mussel farming, aquaculture and related maritime industries. An additional €13.2 million will be provided to the commissioner for environmental remediation and the natural restoration of the northern arc of the second basin of the Mar Piccolo.

Vice‑mayor Mattia Giorno described the funding as an “extraordinary opportunity” to restore the city’s sea, generate jobs and promote sustainable development, while economic development assessor Francesco Cosa highlighted the creation of new landing points for mussel and fishery sectors. Regional councilor Cosimo Borraccino noted the measure will also boost environmental tourism and the local food‑and‑wine economy.