Trapani coastal and maritime development planning

The province of Trapani is initiating strategic planning for coastal development covering the 2028–2035 period. Through the ‘Stati Generali dello Sviluppo Costiero’ (General States of Coastal Development), organizers aim to establish a framework for a unified provincial port system involving Trapani, Mazara del Vallo, Marsala, Pantelleria, and the Egadi Islands.

Key objectives include diversifying coastal tourism, developing a nautical and shipbuilding district, and transitioning the fishing industry toward sustainable models. Rear Admiral Rosario Marchese has proposed a ‘distributed port’ model to create a cohesive maritime network across the coastline.

This development strategy is being bolstered by institutional support from the Port System Authority of the West Sicilian Sea, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Free Municipal Consortium of Trapani. These efforts align with the ‘Trapani 2027 – La città generata dal mare’ project, which supports the city’s candidacy to become the ‘Italian Sea Capital 2027’. The broader ‘BLU TRAPANI 2028–2035’ plan seeks to integrate maritime arrivals with regional tourism and cultural itineraries.