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

Catania Port in Sicily, under the management of Global Ports Holding (GPH), has recently completed modernization works at Pier 25, significantly enhancing its capacity to accommodate mega-cruise ships. This development introduces a new 405-meter deepwater berth, designed to dock the world’s largest cruise vessels, following substantial dredging and safety upgrades.

The improvement project included the restoration of a minimum seabed depth of 9 meters and the recertification of bollards and fenders to modern safety standards. Additionally, a 7,000 square meter area has been designated for efficient logistics and passenger flow from ships to shore.

This new berth expands the port’s capabilities alongside its central pier and another quay, which is set for further upgrades into early 2026. Engineer Francesco Di Sarcina, representing the Eastern Sicilian Sea Port System Authority, emphasized the critical nature of these enhancements to support the growing number of ship calls expected in the coming years.

Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of GPH Italian Cruise Port, conveyed that the operational improvements enable the port to handle larger volumes of both passenger and vessel traffic. The infrastructure now allows multiple large cruise ships to dock simultaneously, improving overall efficiency.

Catania Port is strategically located at the base of Mount Etna, providing easy access to tourist attractions like Taormina and Syracuse, as well as UNESCO-listed sites. With an upward trend in cruise traffic, Catania is establishing itself as a favored destination for Mediterranean itineraries.

The port’s ongoing modernization aligns with traffic goals set through 2027, reflecting a collaborative effort between GPH and the Port Authority to position Catania as a prominent player on the Mediterranean cruise map.

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