The Port of Catania Cruises, operated by Global Ports Holding, has reached a major milestone in its development with the completion of the renovation of Pier 25, which significantly improves its capacity and positioning within the cruise sector in the Mediterranean.
Thanks to the dock restoration project, the port now has three operational cruise ship piers, including a new, improved pier 405 meters long and 9 meters deep, capable of receiving the world's largest cruise ships.
This new berth is supported by a 7,000 square meter area designated for tourist bus parking and logistics operations, making the Port of Catania Cruises an increasingly competitive and efficient facility, in anticipation of the expected growth in passenger traffic under the jurisdiction of the East Sicily Sea Port System Authority, chaired by Francesco Di Sarcina.
“This was a crucial intervention to bring the pier up to current operating standards,” explained engineer Di Sarcina. “We restored the pier edge, recertified the mooring bollards, improved the fenders, and—most importantly—leveled the seabed, which had become uneven due to sediment buildup. Maintaining this depth through regular monitoring will be essential as cruise ship activity increases.”
This new pier joins the central pier—currently the longest in the port and future site of a new terminal—and the pier adjacent to the dike, where work is expected to be completed in early 2026.
“This pier boasts exceptional technical specifications,” noted Raffaella Del Prete, Managing Director of GPH Italian Cruise Port. “The addition of a third operational pier represents a significant advancement in our capacity to handle higher passenger volumes and accommodate state-of-the-art vessels. It also allows for the simultaneous berthing of multiple ships, with onshore logistical support that facilitates coordination with local transport operators.”
Del Prete emphasized that the new infrastructure is already yielding operational results and will play a key role in achieving the projected traffic targets through 2027.
“This project is a tangible example of successful collaboration between GPH and the Port Authority, and reflects our shared vision of transforming the Port of Catania Cruises into a leading destination in the Mediterranean.”
Strategically located on Sicily's eastern coast at the foot of Mount Etna, Catania is an increasingly popular stop on Mediterranean cruise itineraries. It combines a rich cultural heritage, volcanic landscapes, and a vibrant city. Its proximity to iconic destinations such as Taormina, Syracuse, and Mount Etna (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) makes it an attractive stop for cruise lines seeking to offer scenic beauty and history.
With the growth of cruise traffic in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Port of Catania Cruises is establishing itself as a key gateway to Sicily and an expanding hub for itineraries in this region.
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