RCCP: Construction of the Terminal of the Future Begins
With the groundbreaking ceremony, the construction of the new cruise terminal in Ravenna officially begins—a 10,000-square-meter facility scheduled to open in 2026.
The ceremony was organized by Ravenna Civitas Cruise Port (RCCP), a joint venture between CTI (Cruise Terminals International) and Royal Caribbean Group, which holds the concession for operating the maritime station for cruise ships and for building the Ravenna cruise terminal. This development will confirm Ravenna’s status as a world-class homeport for cruise ships on their Mediterranean itineraries.
RCCP Prim Pietra
According to Daniele Rossi, President of the Ravenna Port Authority, the event marks a significant milestone not only for the Port Authority but also for the partners involved and the local community. The new terminal is seen as a symbol of the cruise industry’s commitment to the sustainable development of the city, providing new job opportunities and offering visitors the chance to discover the region’s beauty.
The terminal, spread over two floors, will host a crew center, a tourist information office, and areas dedicated to tasting local cuisine. An elevated walkway, extending almost the entire length of the pier, will connect the building to the ships. Visitors will enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and Ravenna’s beaches during boarding, thanks to state-of-the-art movable boarding bridges.
Community engagement played a central role in the design of the facility, which is set to become a symbolic landmark for Ravenna and a multifunctional hub for activities and events. On days when no ships are docked, the terminal and the seaside walkway will be open for public and private events, such as sports competitions, art exhibitions, and literary events. The ground-floor spaces will also offer opportunities for fairs and large-scale events.
RCCP Terminal
RCCP Terminal
The project, developed by Cruise Terminals International and Royal Caribbean Group, with architects from Atelier(s) Alfonso Femia and engineers from RINA Consulting involved, will allow the terminal to welcome ships from various cruise lines starting in 2026, with the capacity to host up to two ships simultaneously. The entire 12-hectare area will be harmoniously integrated into the landscape, surrounded by pine forests and the coastline, and will include pedestrian and cycling paths and entertainment areas, benefiting both cruise passengers and the local community as well as non-cruise visitors.
The Ravenna terminal will also stand out as the first in Italy to achieve LEED Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). The entire project focuses on sustainable practices, with particular attention to energy efficiency, renewable energy production, recycling, and responsible waste management, as well as the use of sustainably sourced materials. The Port Authority has also planned the introduction of cold ironing, a technology that allows ships to turn off their engines while docked, thus reducing air pollution.
Anna D’Imporzano, General Director of RCCP, expressed pride in the collaboration with the Port Authority, highlighting that the design of the structure will be cutting-edge, bold, and sustainable, with innovative technological features that will enhance the cruise passenger experience and actively engage the local community.
Graham Olver, CEO of CTI, which owns, develops, and manages port infrastructure worldwide, described the ceremony as a crucial moment for Ravenna, its community, and the cruise industry as a whole. He emphasized that the new terminal, with the jobs and economic benefits it will bring, in addition to the LEED Gold certification, is a tangible example of what innovation combined with passion can achieve.
RCCP Terminal
Joshua Carroll, Senior Vice President of Destination Development for Royal Caribbean Group, a leader in the vacation sector with a global fleet of 68 cruise ships from its five brands traveling to about 1,000 destinations, expressed gratitude for the support received from local authorities and the community since the beginning of the project. He stressed that the development of the new LEED Gold-certified terminal represents a significant step forward for the European cruise industry.
Ravenna and its surroundings, already known for their extraordinary natural beauty and warm hospitality, will offer visitors the opportunity to discover a rich historical and cultural heritage, characterized by art, architecture, pristine beaches, and traditional cuisine. The new terminal will further consolidate Ravenna’s role as an international cruise port, which, according to industry analysis, will generate between 100 and 200 direct and indirect jobs per day, contributing positively to the regional economy.
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