PORT OF TARANTO, 02 OCTOBER 2024 - On 11 and 12 October the Taranto Port Days are back, an event organised by the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea - Port of Taranto with the patronage of the Municipality of Taranto and the Southern Maritime Interregional Command of the Italian Navy, in collaboration with The International Propeller Club - Port of Taras Association.
In its sixth edition this year, Taranto Port Days will open the port of Taranto to the city once again, with a programme full of events characterised by the common objective of bringing different generations closer to the port culture, in an unprecedented and innovative way.
The 2024 edition was presented with a press conference held in the headquarters of the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea by President Sergio Prete, together with the Commander of the Southern Maritime Interregional Command of the Italian Navy, Rear Admiral Vincenzo Montanaro, and the Commander of the Harbour Master’s Office, Ship-of-the-line Captain (Harbour Master’s Office) Rosario Meo, the Councillor for Public Works and Sea Resources of the Municipality of Taranto, Mimmo Ciraci representing the Mayor Rinaldo Melucci, and the President of The International Propeller Club - Port of Taras Association, Michele Conte.
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“We are ready and happy to host this new edition of the Taranto Port Days, said the President of the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea, Sergio Prete. Over the years, the event has seen significant growth, both in terms of attendance and participation, as well as in its impact on the territory. This has helped to redefine the identity connection between the port and the city through the sea resource. The programme presented this morning is the result of a great teamwork that, with dedication and perseverance, turned the Taranto Port Days into a highly awaited event for the entire port and city community. On 11 and 12 October, they will have the opportunity to experience the port in an innovative and unconventional way. I would therefore like to express my sincere thanks to the Propeller Club of Taranto and to all those who are working for the organisation of this new edition of the Taranto Port Days, showing a great spirit of belonging and cohesion”.
Commander of the Southern Maritime Interregional Command of the Italian Navy, Rear Admiral Vincenzo Montanaro added: “With its 8,000 km of coastlines Italy, a medium-sized regional power with a marked maritime character, is naturally inclined towards the Mediterranean Sea. About 60% of our imports and 50% of exports occur by sea. Sea routes carry 90% of our goods, and 99% of data traffic moves along submarine cables, along with the critical infrastructure that ensure the country's energy supply. Additionally, shipping freight by sea is six times less polluting than transporting it by road. As a multiplier effect of the Blue Economy, for every euro of added value produced, an additional EUR 1.7 is activated in the rest of the economy. Although the Mediterranean Sea accounts for only 1% of the world's ocean surface, it handles 20% of maritime traffic, 65% of energy traffic to Europe and 16% of global internet traffic. It is therefore clear that the prosperity and well-being of Italy, and in particular of Apulia and the city of Taranto, a strategic port in the Mediterranean for its natural location, depend on the sea and, consequently, on its free, safe and sustainable use. A task that the Italian Navy ensures on a daily basis by deploying an average of 30 ships, 12 aircraft, one submarine and around 4,000 sailors in strategic areas that include the wider Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific.
We must all be aware that everything happening on the high seas impacts our coasts, ports and daily lives, not forgetting also the importance of the underwater domain that hosts strategic infrastructures, energy reserves and food. Research and experimentation projects are being carried out in this domain, which see the Italian Navy involved through the recently established National Pole of the Underwater Dimension (based in La Spezia)”.
“The sea as a common heritage to be preserved, protected, and made 'increasingly accessible to everyone', through an ethical approach and marked by respect for those imposed rules preserving its infinite beauty” - stated the Commander of the Harbour Master's Office, Ship-of-the-line Captain (Harbour Master’s Office) Rosario Meo.
“The new edition of the “Taranto Port Days 2024”, said Mimmo Ciraci, Councillor for Public Works and Sea Resources of the Municipality of Taranto, “represents a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of port facilities and sea culture, fundamental elements for the economic and social development of our city. A city that is changing, that is the protagonist of a path initiated by the Administration led by Mayor Rinaldo Melucci, which will emancipate it from the outdated and not at all eco-friendly industrial models characterising past decades. Taranto must reclaim its destiny by starting to leverage its great potential and appreciate resources that deserve constant enhancement. One of these is the sea, our sea. After all, Taranto, with its strategic port at the hearth of the Mediterranean Sea, must be fully aware that it can play a key role in promoting economic development through maritime trade, tourism and activities linked to the blue economy. We are convinced that thanks to events such as the “Taranto Port Days”, born from the fruitful activism of the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea, and the invaluable collaboration of the Propeller Club Port of Taras, we can strengthen the position of the Ionian capital as a maritime hub of excellence and create new growth opportunities for our territory. But that is not all. I wish to highlight that one of the theme of this year's event shows our commitment to a more equitable and sustainable future, in line with the UN Agenda 2030 and specifically with Goal 10: Reduce inequalities. Indeed, during the “Taranto Port Days”, there will be a focus on disabilities, with the sea, which, by easing physical limitations and offering a sense of freedom and equality, can improve the quality of life for everyone”.
“It is with great satisfaction that we inaugurate Taranto Port Days today”, said Michele Conte, President of The International Propeller Club - Port of Taras, “an event that represents an extraordinary opportunity for our territory and the entire port system of Taranto. In collaboration with the Port Network Authority, our goal is to enhance the port not only as a strategic infrastructure for trade and economic development, but also as a meeting point between the city and the sea, a bridge to the future and innovation. This event is the result of teamwork and a shared vision: that of an open, dynamic, constantly evolving port which knows how to combine tradition and modernity. Taranto Port Days are an opportunity to make the local community and international guests aware of the importance of our port, not only from an economic, but also from a cultural and social point of view. This year, the topic of inclusion, reinforces even more the social value that the port has in a community. We hope that, thanks to the participation of citizens, institutions, businesses and professionals, this event will create new synergies and strengthen the bond between the city and the port, making Taranto an increasingly important reference point in the Mediterranean”.
* * Programme from the 2024 edition of the Taranto Port Days * *
The Taranto Port Days are part of the Italian Port Days initiative promoted at national level by Assoporti, which, through the slogan “opening port life and culture to people”, aims to raise awareness of port life and sea culture creating synergies, from north to south, among Italian Port Network Authorities.
The theme chosen for the 2024 edition is inclusion, with a special focus on disabilities, in line with Goal 10 of the UN Agenda 2030, which aims to reduce inequalities and promote equal opportunities. The event will be an important tribute to those who work and live in the port area, highlighting the inclusive dimension to which the port of Taranto aspires.
The graphic elements of the creative campaign realised for the 2024 edition of the Taranto Port Days stand out for their capacity to convey the theme of inclusion harmoniously, combining various iconic elements connected to diversity and inclusion, creating, ideally and visually, a direct connection between the Port and the territory. The 2024 edition of the event will indeed be enriched with moments aimed at promoting inclusion and enhance the role of associations and organisations working daily to combat, among other things, physical, psychological and gender inequalities.
The opening ceremony of the Taranto Port Days 2024 will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday 11 October with the presence of the main civil and military authorities of the local and regional territory. The opening will be accompanied by the notes of the musical duo SbandAut, consisting of Alessandro and Antonio, two extraordinary guys joined by their passion for music.
As per tradition, the opening ceremony of the event will be followed by the prize-giving ceremony for the winners of the call for artists “Taranto: my port city”, the artistic contest for schools of all levels in Taranto and its province. This year too, the contest will see a large number of students participating from all over the Ionian province. A big surprise for them, which will be unveiled on the Port Days stage.
The young people who will be present on the morning of 11 October will have the opportunity to learn about the DIDACTA project, which will be in Taranto with institutional exhibition spaces dedicated to the best practices of the regional education and training system. This year, with the theme of inclusion, great space will be given to the State Police's OSCAD, Observatory for Security Against Discriminatory Acts.
During the two days of the event, Calata 1 at the port of Taranto (adjacent to the East Gate) will host talks, discussions, guided tours, sports and entertainment. During the Port Days, access to the event area at Calata 1 will be free of charge, as the participation in the numerous initiatives and events, including guided tours by land and sea, thanks to the availability of Jonian Dolphin Conservation. Plenty of space will be dedicated to the little ones, thanks to the ongoing collaboration between the Port Network Authority of the Ionian Sea and the “Acclavio” Civic Library of Taranto, which, once again this year, will oversee readings by sea and land with the support of volunteers from the Nati per Leggere network. The Fire Fighters Association, “Pompieropoli”, will offer the opportunity to become a fire fighter for a day, sharing an insight into the daily work of Fire Fighters.
The Port Village will host 16 stands, where institutions and operators of the port community will illustrate to visitors the activities and initiatives taking place in the Port, also through the exhibition of nautical vehicles such as the “De Grazia”, patrol vessel of the Harbour Master’s Authority, which will be open to the public. In the area that will be dedicated to land-based sports, there will be sports events - organised by the Taranto 25 Foundation with local organisations - accessible to everyone, to promote active and inclusive participation.
The sea sports will be organised by Enjoy your dive and Mediterraneo Village, with the contribution of the Navy, which has provided a floating platform to ensure the performance of the proposed activities.
Among the novelties of the 2024 edition, there is the opportunity to learn more about animal-assisted therapy techniques, thanks to the collaboration with Il Ghibli AsD and La Coda di Ulisse, which will allow everyone to appreciate the benefits of pet therapy. Interactive and artisanal workshops will be offered by the associations La Vela, La Casa di Sofia and Logos. Officina Maremosso will showcase some typical elements of traditional shipbuilding and the knowledge of shipwrights.
The food area will open to tastings by Masseria Cappella, Centrale del Latte, Masseria Frutti Rossi, Petrocelli Bevande, Raffo and Wine Aut.
Among the conferences that will animate the Port Days, the conference “The Role of Ports in the Energy Development of the Country” organised by The International Propeller Club - Port of Taras focusing on the topic of energy transition and sustainable development (11 October - 4 p.m.). During the event, the Falanto Awards will be awarded to personalities and organisations that have distinguished themselves for their activities in favour of the territory and the Taranto community. On Saturday, 12 October, Calata 1 will host the talks “Workability: tools, skills and values to encourage the culture of inclusion in the workplace” with the patronage of the Order of Accountants and the Order of Labour Consultants (12 October - 9.30 a.m.) and “Diary of a Mermaid: stories of intersectionality and multiple discriminations” (12 October - 5.30 p.m.), which will explore the theme of inclusion through the voices and experiences of speakers from various professional fields.
Music and theatre performances will take place on the Kinetic platform - thanks to the availability of Ecotaras Srl - which will be docked at Calata 1 to become a floating stage with a backdrop of the city of Taranto. The first to take the stage on Friday 11 October (6.30 p.m.) will be Salvatore Cosentino with the play “Eva non è ancora nata” (Eve is not born yet), whose title is inspired by the song with the same title by Giorgio Gaber. The public prosecutor, who has been awarded prestigious prizes such as the Kouros International Award for “Un diritto messo di traverso”, will be introduced by the Justice of the Peace Marisa Di Santo.
The Kinetic will light up with live music events scheduled for Friday and Saturday, taking to the stage two unmissable evening concerts by the sea. On 11 October, it will be the turn of the rock-crossover duo Golden Salt composed of Arianna Mazzarese (violin) and Eleonora Loi (electric guitar), boasting an impressive 700,000 followers and more than 20 million views on social media. They bring energy to the biggest international stages, mixing rock, metal, electronic and classical music. Saturday 12 October will be the turn of the Simona Molinari quintet, represented by the pop jazz singer-songwriter with six albums to her credit. The artist boasts collaborations with Al Jarreau, Gilberto Gil, Andrea Bocelli, Peter Cincotti, Ornella Vanoni, Renzo Arbore, Massimo Ranieri and Raphael Gualazzi.
This year, Taranto Port Days 2024 are supported by: Vestas Blades Italia Srl (main sponsor), Banca Intesa San Paolo, Acciaierie d’Italia, Rimorchiatori Napoletani srl, SJS srl, DBA Group, SJS Engineering e Ecologica spa as sponsors; Fondazione Taranto25, Jonian Dolphin Conservation, Masseria Cappella, RAFFO, Masseria Frutti Rossi Srl, Antonio Petrocelli s.r.l., Ecotaras Srl, La Casa di Sofia Aps, Associazione nazionale Vigili del Fuoco (Firefighter National Association), La Vela – Società Cooperativa Sociale and Cooperativa Logos, as partners.
Discover the full programme: www.tarantoportdays.it
"Watch the live broadcast of the press conference: https://fb.watch/uZ1sXQBL9R/