As European countries work to meet the requirements of Fit for 55, which calls for cruise ports to provide shore-based power supplies to cruise ships by 2030, Ravenna, Italy, is getting off to a flying start by developing the country’s first LEED Certified cruise terminal.

Located on the Adriatic Coast, east of Bologna, Italy, the city broke ground on its new 107,639 square meter terminal in Porto Corsini on October 24, 2024, and is pursuing Gold Certification for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Ravenna Civitas Cruise Port (RCCP), Cruise Terminals International (CTI) and Royal Caribbean GroupThey came together to celebrate the new development, which is planned to open in 2026, in partnership with the port.

“We are honored to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony as we celebrate the next step in our journey to develop a new Gold LEED cruise terminal in the heart of Europe.” said Joshua Carroll, senior vice president of destination development for Royal Caribbean Group.

Port authority president Daniele Rossi added, “The new terminal demonstrates the cruise industry’s commitment to investing in the sustainable development of Ravenna, bringing new jobs to the area while guests enjoy this wonderful region.”

The new cruise terminal, which is expected to cost more than €27 million and create up to 200 jobs in the region, will include energy and water efficiency measures, renewable energy production and advanced waste management systems.

Shore power technology will be introduced, allowing ships to reduce emissions by turning off their engines when docked in port, complying with the European Green Deal and working towards a climate neutral target.

Designed to host two cruise ships at the same time, the new terminal will also feature 12 hectares of integrated landscaping, including green spaces, pathways and recreational areas for both residents and visitors.

said RCCP Director General Anna D’Imporzanno, “This new facility will feature a striking, bold and sustainable architectural design and technological advances that will not only enhance the experience for cruise passengers but also engage the local community.”

Developed by architects Atelier(s) Alfornso Femia and engineering consultants at RINA Consulting, the design of the terminal features a crew center and tourist information desk, as well as an elevated walkway offering views of the Adriatic Sea.

The two-story building will host local events when not in use by cruise ships.

Ravenna’s Growing Role in Cruise Tourism

A report prepared during the 7th Adriatic Sea Forum in October 2024 revealed that the region will see much more. 4.9 million cruise passengers In 2024 – an increase of 6.7 percent compared to the previous year. The majority of this traffic visits ports in Italy, with Venice at the top of the destination list.

However, in recent years Venice introduced significant restrictions They include banning large cruise ships over 25,000 gross tonnes from sailing in the city’s sensitive lagoon and introducing a tourist tax for day visitors.

Venice’s restrictions include diverting large cruise ships to alternative ports; Ravenna is benefiting from Venice’s tightening restrictions on cruise tourism and is rapidly emerging as a major cruise destination.

The new cruise terminal is expected to handle up to 300,000 cruise passengers per year.

Beyond Royal Caribbean Group’s cruise lines, which include Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises, cruise lines owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Carnival Corporation, and smaller brands such as MSC Cruises and Azamara Cruises frequently visit the port during Mediterranean seasons . .