BRINDISI – Green light for the increase in port fees and the renewal of the concession, to Enel Produzione, at the Costa Morena dock, until 31 December 2025. These are the main decisions taken by the management committee of the Mar Port System Authority southern Adriatic, during today’s meeting, which took place in mixed mode (in person, from the Brindisi office, and online). At the end of the meeting, the extraordinary commissioner of the body, Rear Admiral Vincenzo Leone, met the press to clarify the reasons for the adjustment of the tariffs and to give a 360 degree overview of the port. He himself announced that the port master plan is nearing completion. All this on the day in which the ruling of the Council of State was expected on the dispute between the Port Authority and the ASI Consortium, regarding the coastal LNG deposit. Could a possible decision in favor of the Consortium call into question the Edison project? The question is posed to Leone, who prefers not to express himself, awaiting the sentence (which will be issued in a few days),
Port dues: the new tariffs
As regards the rates, the increases concern the embarkation and disembarkation of pax ferries (from 2.40 euros to 2.80 euros), the embarkation and disembarkation of cruise passengers (from 2.50 euros to 2.90 euros ) cruise passengers in transit (from 1.10 euros to 1.20 euros), caravans and other vehicles (from 2.20 euros to 2.40 euros), buses, tractors, s7R etc. (from 3 euros to 4 euros), motor vehicles (from 1.10 euros to 1.40 euros).
In 2024, the port authority, limited to the port of Brindisi, incurred costs equal to 3.878 million euros, against revenues for port fees equal to 1.722 million euros. The negative balance is equivalent to 2.1 million euros.
In parallel with the increase in tariffs, the organization undertakes to optimize all the services provided to make them more efficient and effective. Among the planned activities there is the need to further raise safety levels in ports, with particular attention to improving the conditions and working environments linked to Ro-Pax, Ro-Ro and cruise traffic. For this reason, the institution has launched a review of the planning of security, in line with the new provisions of the National Program for Maritime Safety (Pnsm), also taking into account the imminent entry into force of the Ees (Entry exit system) regulation which will require operational and infrastructural adjustments.
Leone explains that the management committee approved the new price list almost unanimously. The extraordinary commissioner recalls that the tariffs were stuck in 2019. The measure received the approval of the board of auditors, which defines the operation as “correct, effective and professional. “The services are offered by the organization – clarifies Leone – in consideration of the revenue it has. If it has no income, it becomes an entity that provides state aid.” The official assures that the “minimal increase in boarding fees will not be wasted”.
Enel: commitment to divest by the end of 2025
Another important chapter is the approval of the request for annual renewal of the concession made by Enel Produzione. The company has committed to dismantling the structures present at the Costa Morena quay by the end of 2025, as part of a timetable shared with the Port Authority. The general secretary of the Authority, Tito Vespasiani, reports that the tender for the post Enel is already ready. The first phase of decommissioning will concern the conveyor belt and the tracks serving the cranes. The tender for this piece of dock could be released by autumn 2025. Enel will benefit from “reward fees” if it is punctual in the dismantling program. If, however, the area is not vacated by the end of 2025, it will continue to pay a fee.
“We need that dock to be free – says Leone – because it is one of the most important in the port, free”. The rear admiral recognizes Enel for having been “very proactive in the dialogue, demonstrating maturity.
MSC application: “We plan to close the case”
The comparison with MSC is also progressing positively, which in the summer requested the management of the docks at the ports of Brindisi (Costa Morena east) and Bari, for cruise activities. “We hope to close the process – states Leone – by the beginning of 2025, with important commitments for both the port of Brindisi and the port of Bari. MSC has committed to investing in Brindisi also in terms of infrastructure”. Nothing is certain yet about the duration of the concession. “The times will be linked – continues Leone – to the commitments that the company will assume towards the public administration. Talking today about a 30-year or 40-year concession would be nonsense.”
“Regulatory plan approval by the end of January”
Meanwhile, with the positioning of the sixth briccole, the briccole pier has been completed. The work will be tested “as soon as possible”, assures Leone. The port master plan is also nearing completion. It should be remembered that the one still in force dates back to 1975. The new Prp is being examined by the Ministry of the Environment. The favorable strategic environmental assessment (VAS) should arrive by the end of the year. Then the management committee will be convened for final approval. The goal will be reached (“thanks to the extraordinary work – remarks Leone – of the technical offices”) by the end of January 2025.
This is a novelty of crucial importance for the port of Brindisi. “The future – concludes the commissioner – can be looked at with great serenity. We have certain areas for shipbuilding. Let’s go and improve the situation of Versalis. The landfill will be built.” In short, Leone expresses optimism about the prospects of the port, a possible cornerstone of the local economy, which is looming over the unknowns of decarbonisation.
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