Catania Port Unveils Pier 25: A New Cruise Berth for Mega Ships

Catania Port in Sicily has made significant upgrades by reopening Pier 25, now featuring a new third cruise berth designed for mega-ships. Managed by Global Ports Holding, the modernization of this pier has increased the port’s capacity and its strategic value in the Mediterranean cruise market.

The port can now accommodate some of the world’s largest cruise vessels, thanks to a newly constructed deepwater berth measuring 405 meters, which includes a restored minimum depth of 9 meters. Safety features such as heavy-duty bollards and fenders have been recertified, while a 7,000 square meters area adjacent to the quay has been designated for efficient bus and logistics operations, facilitating smooth passenger transitions from ship to shore.

This new berth complements the existing central pier and another quay, which is scheduled for further enhancements into early 2026. The Eastern Sicilian Sea Port System Authority, under Engineer Francesco Di Sarcina, supervised this project, which included crucial dredging and structural improvements to support an expected increase in cruise ship traffic.

Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of GPH Italian Cruise Port, highlighted that the addition of this operational berth marks a crucial milestone for the port in managing higher volumes of passengers and docking multiple large cruise ships concurrently. This expansion is vital for coordinating efficient ground transportation logistics.

From a maritime perspective, these investments significantly boost Catania’s reputation as a gateway port in Eastern Sicily, providing easy access to key destinations including Mount Etna, Taormina, and Syracuse, as well as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As cruise traffic continues to grow in the region, Catania is positioning itself as a favorable stop for Mediterranean itineraries, offering a taste of authentic Sicilian culture alongside operational reliability.

The modernization efforts align with the port’s traffic targets through 2027, reflecting a collaborative vision between Global Ports Holding and the Port Authority to elevate Catania as a prominent destination in the Mediterranean cruise landscape.

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