By
Laura Hyde |
Catania Cruise Port has opened a new operational cruise dock, completing its renovation of Pier 25. The new 405-metre quay has a water depth of nine metres making it capable of handling the world’s largest cruise vessels.
The new cruise dock, which is supported by a 7,000-square-metre parking area, is the third berth for cruise vessels at the port. It joins the central pier – currently the port’s longest and the future site of a new terminal – and the quay adjacent to Pier 25, where further work will be completed in early 2026.
“This [project] was a fundamental intervention to bring the dock in line with today’s operational standards,” said Francesco Di Sarcina, engineer of the Pier 25 project and president of the Eastern Sicilian Sea Port System Authority. “We’ve restored the quay edge, recertified the bollards, upgraded the fenders, and – most critically – levelled the seabed, which had become uneven due to sediment shifts. Maintaining this depth through routine monitoring will be essential as cruise activity increases.”
“This pier offers exceptional technical specifications,” said Raffaella Del Prete, general manager of Global Ports Holding (GPH) which operates the port. “The addition of a third operational berth represents a major leap in our ability to manage larger passenger volumes and welcome next-generation ships. It also allows for the simultaneous berthing of multiple vessels, supported by dedicated land-side logistics that streamline coordination with local transportation providers. This project is a tangible example of successful collaboration between GPH and the Port System Authority and reflects our shared vision of transforming Catania Cruise Port into a leading Mediterranean destination.”