Ban on large cruise ships sailing past the historic centre of Venice

The Italian government has prohibited passenger ships that are over 40000 tons as well as container ships from sailing past Venice’s historic centre. Venice has always been negatively impacted by large vessels, and that is about to change with this new rule.

It has however been reported that a new terminal could be built outside the lagoon for these large vessels. Earlier, they would pass in front of St. Mark’s square, but with the new terminal that will stop. Until the new terminal has been built, these cruise ships will have to dock at the Marghera Port, which is away from the Grand Canal. Venice’s lagoon had to face many difficulties due to such cruise ships in the past, but all that is about to change.
In 2019, one such large cruise ship had collided with a dock and a tourist boat, injuring people in the process. In the past too, the government had made attempts to check this issue but they were all unsuccessful.

Italy’s Culture Minister Dario Francheschini said, “Anyone who has visited Venice in recent years has been shocked to see these ships, hundreds of metres long and as tall as apartment buildings, passing through such fragile places.”
Venice of course is a floating city, extraordinarily beautiful, and is much reputed as a tourist destination. Amidst all the tourism boats, a large vessel can certainly be a hazard. The government’s aim is to protect the heritage of Venice and its lagoon. Clearing cruise activity can be of major help in this regard.