The future – 5 challenges for the Port of Venice
Its naturally advantageous position gives the Port of Venice headstart. Nevertheless, there are at least five challenges that the Port must rise to in order to keep its competitive edge sharp and clear and regain its position as major global port.
Challenge no. 1
The first challenge is to enhance the role of Mediterranean ports vis-à-vis Northern European sea ports from Le Havre to Hamburg. To win this challenge the Port of Venice must encourage all ports ranging from Valencia in Spain to Constance in Romania on the Black Sea to join forces.
Challenge no. 2
Challenge no. 2 involves all Upper Adriatic ports that need to gain recognition as the multi-port of Europe. This would encourage the ships that enter the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal to sail up the Adriatic. To win this challenge against the other Mediterranean multi-ports, the Port of Venice must set its stakes on co-operation and competitiveness by setting up an alliance with the ports of Ravenna, Trieste, Koper and Rijeka.
Challenge no. 3
Challenge no. 3 can only be won by Venice with the support of all Italian Ports: Italian rules and regulations must be brought up to date for ports to benefit of conditions that will enable them to rise above their European competitors. The stakes are the Italian share of Mediterranean transhipment and a share of the European destination markets.
A container ship
Cargo being loaded on a train
Challenge no. 4
The nature of the fourth challenge is rather urgent: the Port of Venice must team up with its “natural” hinterland to serve the logistics and entrepreneurial fabric of North-eastern Italy and Eastern Lombardy.
Challenge no. 5
The fifth challenge will be played locally and requires the port to equip itself with the infrastructure and organisation necessary to win all the previous challenges. In this endeavour it must be consistent with the need to safeguard Venice and the lagoon, true to Venice's seafaring traditions. It must be supported by efficient transport and logistics networks, involving other public players such as the local freight villages (starting from Verona, Padua and Bologna), and private players working in manufacturing, transport and logistics. Their contribution will determine the future of the port.
These five challenges will only be met if all the players - Mediterranean, European, Italian and Venetian - realise the interests at stake and team up to consolidate a reliable port, such as it was in the past when a flourishing port dictated Venice's fortunes and set the foundations for its unique culture.
Oceanic vessel berthed at Venice commercial port