Between the PNRR and the America’s Cup: Dr. Eliseo Cuccaro outlines the future of Campania’s ports

The ports of Naples, Salerno, and Castellammare di Stabia are true strategic hubs for tourism, commercial exchanges, and the docking of large vessels.

Today we interview the man who, since 2025, has served as President of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority (AdSP): Dr. Eliseo Cuccaro.

With him, we will discuss key topics such as the progress of PNRR-funded investments, strategies for managing increasing traffic volumes, and the plan for the America’s Cup, which will take place in Naples in 2027.

Welcome, Dr. Cuccaro, it’s a pleasure to have you with us.
Can you tell us about the path you began in 2025 as President of the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority?
Did your previous experiences in the transport sector give you the know‑how needed for such a role?

Throughout my professional life, I have always worked in local public transport — it became a passion of mine. I worked mainly in the Campania region, then gained experience in the Marche region. I held various roles, including Technical Consultant and President of the Creditors’ Committee. I dealt with intermodality, involving both road transport and maritime transport.

These experiences led me to develop an interest in this position.

After my appointment, I had time to delve into the complex and fascinating world of port authorities. The Port of Naples is particularly interesting from a logistical standpoint because it is multi‑purpose: it handles containers, both liquid and solid bulk cargo, Ro‑Ro traffic, cruises, and local public transport.

In this context, I began establishing relationships with the sector and with the administrative structure, which I consider to be of the highest level and with great expertise.

I found myself taking the lead of the Port Authority at a crucial moment, with the need to complete all investments funded through the PNRR and to begin institutional collaboration for the organization of the America’s Cup.

On that note, can you explain in detail the current status of the investment projects under your management, funded partly by the PNRR and partly by the Complementary Fund?

The current projects are in an advanced stage, including the restoration of the railway line inside the port, which will allow us to connect the port to the national rail network.

The construction of the Darsena di Levante is also progressing well — a large area dedicated to container handling that will give the Port of Naples a new configuration. Activities will shift, creating more space for local public transport and cruise traffic, and significantly expanding the area dedicated to Ro‑Ro operations.

This area is now particularly strategic, as major operators such as Grimaldi and GNV are requesting more space, given that Naples has become a key departure and arrival point, especially for Sicily.

Additionally, the PNRR‑funded works in the Port of Salerno are almost fully completed. We are very satisfied with the progress.

Soon, work will begin on port electrification and on the construction of a 450‑space parking facility in the cruise and public transport area. Since this area serves as a departure point for local transport to Ischia, Procida, Capri, and the Sorrento Peninsula — and given the presence of the metro entrance — the goal is to turn it into an intermodal hub. Let’s not forget that Naples will soon be one of the few cities in the world where the metro connects the port, the train station, and the airport: it will become an extremely attractive area.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the volume of goods and passengers arriving at the ports under your management. How do you handle these flows, and what are your projections for 2026–2027?

The projections are extremely positive. I have met with the major operators in the sector, and they are very confident about both 2026 and 2027, for both cargo and passengers. All cruise slots are already booked through 2027 — not only in Naples but also in Salerno, which is expected to grow significantly.

Only through greater efficiency, investments in new technologies, and improved organization will we be able to manage these large flows. And by organization, I also mean access points, mobility, and internal port traffic — which must serve only port‑related activities.

Let’s not forget that since the beginning of the year, a shuttle service has been active inside the port. As the Port Authority, in collaboration with EAV, we introduced two electric buses that run daily between Molo Pisacane and Beverello.

Speaking of 2027, Naples will host the prestigious America’s Cup. Since this event requires synergy among all stakeholders, what role will the Central Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority play?

The Minister of Sport has included the Port Authority in the management committee for the event. Together with the Maritime Authority, led by Admiral Aulicino, we are working daily with the Government Commissioner to ensure that all works are completed by June 2027.

This major event will bring great prestige to our territory and will restore to Naples, Campania, and the entire country one of the most beautiful bays in the world — an area that has been neglected for decades. The Port of Naples and the Port Authority will also play a logistical role, as all goods and equipment needed for the racecourse — both on land and at sea — will depart from the port area.

All transport, to avoid congesting city traffic, will be carried out by sea, meaning the port area will be directly involved. I want to highlight something I am proud of as an Italian citizen: right now, there is an extraordinary alignment among institutions.

They are collaborating without political distinctions, without ego, without division. There has never been such harmony between the national government, local governments — the Mayor and the Government Commissioner — the Maritime Authority, and the Port System Authority in organizing an event that many thought impossible.

If everything goes as planned, Naples could look completely different after 2027. What is your vision for the city’s future?

Naples can once again become the true capital of the Mediterranean — the city that once attracted the headquarters of major companies, the city that was a global tourism destination at certain times of the year, the city capable of becoming a catalyst for the best young talent.

It can give our young graduates the opportunity to find work in Naples rather than leaving, and above all, it can aspire to bring back the extraordinary human resources we have “loaned” to European and even non‑European countries. I see a great future for Naples.

We are working side by side with all institutions, and these results can only be achieved if everyone remains on the same team.

Thank you for being with us.

Cover photo credits: Informazione Marittima