The issue of the master plan for the development of the port at Marina di Carrara
“Baker Hughes is here because of the port: the major risk we face is that, if the port is not upgraded, Baker Hughes will go elsewhere.” The port to which Bruno Pisano, president of the Eastern Ligurian Sea Authority, is referring is that of Marina di Carrara, which falls under his jurisdiction and which, whilst awaiting (for some time now) for the approval of the new port master plan, is being called into question by controversy over the coastal erosion that the expansion could cause.
“The expansion of the port and coastal erosion are two separate issues,” emphasises Pisano. “The former is necessary for the development of industry, the boating sector, shipping and tourism, the latter is a problem affecting numerous coastlines, caused by many variables – just consider that every half-centimetre rise in sea level erodes one metre of coastline – and one that must be tackled comprehensively, as the Tuscany Region’s masterplan is seeking to do. ‘But erosion should not be seen as conflicting with the port’s growth.’
To refute the widespread concerns, the Port Authority has carried out a scientific study (which is currently confidential) and submitted it to the Higher Council for Public Works, which is tasked with giving final approval to the port master plan. In recent months, the Council has raised a long list of comments on the project, and a technical working group has been set up at the Ministry of Infrastructure to address these. ‘We are continuing to work, but it will be a long process: it is difficult to predict when it will be concluded,’ adds Pisano. In the meantime, the Authority is seeking to mitigate the environmental concerns: ‘By 2026, we will have tools at our disposal to measure environmental impact and take action,’ says the chairman, ‘to the extent that we have already scheduled a seabed dredging operation for next winter, with the sand to be reused for coastal nourishment – a project to be carried out as part of the regional masterplan.’
The future town plan, which is set to replace the current one dating from 1981, provides for a new quay to serve commercial traffic, an extension of the existing breakwater quay, a reorganisation of the functions of the various areas, the designation of the Taliercio quay for cruise ships, and a public travel lift which, having been strongly demanded by the local community, is the top priority for the development of the boating sector. The works are valued at a total of more than 400 million euros.
“The development of the port of Marina di Carrara is a prerequisite for the growth of the entire Apuan region,” warns Carlo Freni, vice-president of Confindustria Centro e Costa and president of the Massa-Carrara delegation. “The port is at full capacity,” adds the entrepreneur, “and the master plan is on hold. We have highlighted a number of critical issues, such as the decision to accommodate cruise ships: space is limited, and if cruise ships arrive, there will be less space for commercial traffic. Even now, many business owners are storing goods outside the port area, and this results in higher costs and a loss of competitiveness. We hope to be involved in the discussion.”
