Venice shifts big ships

THE Italian Government has decided to block large cruise ships from docking near St Mark’s Square in Venice, following longrunning concerns from residents and environmentalists.

The decision was made by a committee and determined vessels over 100,000 tonnes must instead dock at the industrial port of Marghera, with the new route set to open within four years.

“After so many months of study and very serious work we found a real solution,” said Italy’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Graziano Delrio.

“The big ships will arrive in Marghera, they will stop at Marghera’s Northern Channel,” he explained, adding that there was no interference with commercial traffic, so the two could coexist.

According to The Guardian, Mayor of Venice Luigi Brugnaro hailed the plans as the solution to the requirements of residents, tourism businesses and groups concerned about damage to the shallow lagoons and canals.

“This takes into account all the jobs created by the cruise industry, which we absolutely couldn’t afford to lose, and we can start to work seriously on planning cruises,” Brugnaro said.