By
Alex Smith |
Costa Cruises and the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority have reopened the Calata delle Vele cruise ship quay and Palocrociere Terminal One in Italy’s port of Savona following an extensive renovation.
The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority invested €17 million (US$18.7 million) to modify the quay to allow it to accommodate larger, modern cruise ships. The seabed has been deepened, requiring the reinforcement of quays nine and ten and the installation of scaffolding on the front of quay eight.
“Supporting the cruise sector is a priority for the port authority,” said Paolo Emilio Signorini, president of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority. “This priority is shared with Costa Cruises, which made the considerable investments needed to adapt its homeport’s passenger facilities as a further successful step forward in the fruitful relationship it has always had with the authority.”
Costa Cruises invested around €5 million (US$5.5 million) to adapt and improve Palacrociere Terminal One. During the refurbishment, the area used for security checks was widened to make space for four X-ray machines. Part of the terrace was also covered with a glass structure and will be used to accommodate cruise passengers in transit, with the addition of a further four X-ray machines. Two suspended walkways have been constructed to connect the terminal to ships.
“The inauguration of this new port infrastructure, resulting from the fruitful cooperation with the Port Authority, consolidates our strategic development plans for Savona,” said Neil Palomba, president of Costa Cruises. “The work on the terminal and quay will in fact accommodate Costa Smeralda, our new LNG flagship, which is going to revolutionise the industry as it significantly reduces the environmental impact without compromising safety aspects which we consider essential.”
Following her delivery in November, Costa Smeralda will be calling at Savona every Saturday from 21 December 2019.