The Port System Authority of the Southern Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas has awarded the contract to complete dredging of the port channel and has also started the first phase of additional work on the shore-side power system. The two projects are aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of Italy’s leading transhipment port while reducing emissions from ships during calls. The €5 million dredging contract has been awarded to Spanish company Dravo. The work will deepen the southern turning basin and the Eranova quay to 17 metres, while the port channel will have depths ranging from 17 to 19 metres. This will allow Gioia Tauro to continue handling the latest generation of containerships, including vessels more than 400 metres long, over 64 metres wide and capable of carrying more than 24,000 teu.
At the same time, work is progressing on the cold ironing system, which will allow vessels to switch off their auxiliary engines while at berth and draw electricity directly from the shore. The first phase of the completion works has been awarded to a temporary consortium formed by Saet Spa and Suardi Spa. The project runs alongside construction of the electrical substation and a second power supply station, backed by an initial investment of €30 million that could rise to €70 million. The latest phase adds another connection point to the system. Once the second station and related electromechanical works are completed, the eastern quay will have five shore-power connections, three from the first phase and two from the second.
The completed infrastructure is expected to provide a total capacity of 160 megawatts, serving both port facilities and the operational requirements of MedCenter Container Terminal. The scheme includes nine connections for containerships and one for ro-ro vessels. The wider electrification programme is worth more than €100 million. Gioia Tauro has already completed its first shore-power operation for a containership, allowing the vessel to remain at berth with its engines switched off.
M.G.
