Catania Cruise Port (Sicily, Italy), under the management of Global Ports Holding/GPH, has reached a significant development milestone with the completion of modernization works at Pier 25.
This effort has expanded the port’s cruise capacity and enhanced its strategic importance in the Mediterranean cruise market.
The refurbishment of the breakwater and its quay has brought a new 405‑metre deepwater berth into service, capable of accommodating the world’s largest cruise vessels. A minimum depth of 9 metres has been restored through seabed leveling, and heavy-duty bollards and fenders have been recertified to meet modern safety standards. A 7,000‑m2 land area adjacent to the quay has been allocated for buses and logistics operations, streamlining passenger flow from vessel to shore.
This new third berth joins the port’s central pier—currently its longest and scheduled for a future terminal—and the quay near the breakwater, which is set for further upgrades into early 2026.
The work was overseen by the Eastern Sicilian Sea Port System Authority, led by Engineer Francesco Di Sarcina, who explained that aligning the dock with present-day requirements involved critical dredging and structural enhancements to support projected increases in ship calls.
Raffaella Del Prete, General Manager of GPH Italian Cruise Port, stated that the addition of this operational berth marks a major advance in the port’s ability to manage higher volumes of passengers and vessel traffic. It also allows simultaneous docking of multiple large cruise ships, supported by newly dedicated logistical infrastructure on land—a necessity for efficient ground transportation coordination.
From a maritime standpoint, the investment greatly strengthens Catania’s position as a gateway port in Eastern Sicily—located at the base of Mount Etna and within easy access to Taormina, Syracuse, and UNESCO‑listed heritage sites. With rising cruise traffic in the region, Catania is emerging as a preferred call for Mediterranean itineraries seeking authentic Sicilian culture alongside operational reliability.
Moving forward, the port’s modernization aligns with traffic targets through 2027, and reflects the ongoing collaboration between GPH and the Port Authority to transform Catania into a leading destination in the Mediterranean cruise map.