TRIESTE – Uncertainty over the completion of infrastructure works linked to the Mose flood barrier system is causing concern among port economy stakeholders.
“We’ve learned from media reports today that there may be delays in completing the works at the port inlets. Even if these delays don’t affect the final delivery of the project, it’s important for the port community that every effort is made to meet each deadline,” said Davide Calderan, president of VPC (Venice Port Community).
According to the association, which brings together 39 professional entities from the port area, achieving this goal requires the system governing and overseeing the current fragmentation of responsibilities to become fully operational:
“We hope the Authority for the Lagoon will soon be in a position to operate officially.”
“There is an urgent need for a point of contact that can offer concrete answers to the needs of the city and its port. Every day of delay is a waste of valuable time,” Calderan added.
The main concern is that any further delays could slow down progress toward the full implementation of a ‘regulated port’ model.
Calderan stressed that completing the works would allow the entire logistics and port sector to better plan future operations. On the other hand, any postponement would once again delay the conclusion of a project that is essential to safeguarding Venice.
“Like any business, the port industry demands transparency. Every economic player needs a certain degree of stability to properly plan investments and growth,” he said.
Postponing the conclusion of the works means losing even more valuable time for activities tied to the lagoon’s protection and to broader development efforts for Venice, such as dredging and general maintenance, VPC emphasized.
The request, therefore, is to make every effort to respect the announced schedule, even though the creation of the Lagoon Authority is acknowledged to be a complex and time-consuming process.
“For this reason, should our experience and expertise be considered useful, we are willing to participate in any discussion forum, for the good of our city and the economic sector we represent. The only real alternative to mass tourism,” Calderan concluded.
