Pozzuoli — A floating pontoon installed within 90 days in front of the commercial docks of the port of Pozzuoli: this is the solution announced by the Campania Region to respond to the alarm raised by hauliers and traders of Ischia and Procida, forced to deal with the raising of the docks caused by bradyseism.
A geological phenomenon that, in the last two decades, has raised the ground of the Phlegraean area by 136 centimeters, making it increasingly complicated - and risky - for heavy vehicles and passengers to embark and disembark towards the two islands.
The turning point comes after a meeting called by the Prefect of Naples, during which regional technicians illustrated the intervention plan. The first pontoon, operational within three months, will serve to reduce the difference in level between ships and docks, which is especially acute during low tide.
By the start of the tourist season, it will be replaced by two other devices, allowing four ferries to dock simultaneously and ensuring safe operations. A crucial intervention for a hub that handles 300 vehicles and a million passengers every year.
The problem is not insignificant: tourist buses and trucks suffered structural damage during the maneuvers, while trade associations denounced the risk of paralysis of supplies for Ischia and Procida, 80% of which depend on goods transiting from Pozzuoli.
"We are satisfied with the technical reassurances, but we are keeping an eye on the timing," said Marco Galano, president of New Atec, which represents transporters and traders. "We need efficient structures: we cannot resist for long in these conditions."
The installation of the pontoons, in addition to avoiding logistical emergencies, aims to preserve the economic vitality of the “Phlegraean landing”, a tourist and commercial crossroads. Now the ball is in the operational phase: if the times are respected, Pozzuoli will return to being a port “fit for a ferry”.
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