Venice: Liners To Steer Clear Of Historic Centre

Cruise ships are to be diverted away from Venice's historic centre from 2016 - although concerns have been raised about the proposed new route for the vessels.

The Costa Concordia disaster in January 2012 has increased pressure on the authorities to keep liners away from the central Giudecca canal and St Mark's Basin.

At present they pass within 300m (330 yards) of St Mark's Square, providing a stunning view from aboard the vessel but a jarring sight from the shore.

The MSC Magnifica passes near St Mark's Square

A commission made up of government ministers and local officials has approved plans to dig a new canal so ships can enter the lagoon from the west, avoiding the historic centre.

The Venice Port, which campaigned successfully to preserve the existing passenger terminal, estimates the project will take two years to complete.

Venice Mayor Giorgio Orsoni said the decision "finally inverts the tendency toward gigantism in the lagoon."

A campaign group opposed to the cruise ship traffic in Venice called it "a first victory for our movement".

But they are concerned about the environmental impact of the new canal, claiming it could have "devastating" consequences, and are to press for another route.

View of the Magnifica from the shore

In the meantime, cruise-ship traffic is to be reduced by 20% from January, while smaller ferries will be banned from passing through Venice altogether.

It is claimed this will reduce the amount of traffic in front of St Mark's by one quarter.

From November 2014 ships larger than 96,000 tons, with a capacity of 3,000 to 3,500 passengers, will also be banned from the city.

St Mark's Square

In the last 15 years Venice has become one of the world's top cruise destinations, with up to nine turnarounds a day in high season.

Under the new measures the number of cruise ships berthed at one time will be limited to five and passage will only be allowed at sunrise and sunset.

The Costa Concordia capsized after striking rocks off close to the Italian island of Giglio in January last year. Thirty-two people were killed in the disaster.

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