The Olympia Navigation Agency: "The system works, the data shows so. Now we need funds to finish the work."

"We are a large and united port community, aware that only through collaboration can we address future challenges." Carlo Facchini, along with his brother Roberto, owns the maritime agency and forwarding company 'Olympia di Navigazione', and is president of the Ravenna Freight Forwarders Association. Facchini is referring to the joint work undertaken by operators and institutions—the Port Authority, the Municipality, and the Region—to develop the port. "Traffic has grown steadily from January to June; the first half of the year closed with a 5.2% increase, and July is a promising month," he says. "It's the result of a system that works." But he emphasizes that funding is needed to complete the dredging and dock upgrades. Facchini hopes that the synergy between the various stakeholders will lead to a solution. The ongoing issue of tariffs remains, a trade war whose cost will also be passed on to consumers. It is hoped that the appointment of the Port Authority's top management will soon be made official, with the institution governed by the extraordinary commissioner and president-elect, Francesco Benevolo. This appointment is also expected to include the position of commander of the Regional Maritime Directorate and the Port Authority. "The institutional collaboration," Facchini emphasizes, "has led, after much anticipation, to the launch of the Simplified Logistics Zone, one of the strategic projects for the future of the region and the port's production and logistics." The Steering Committee, the political and administrative body chaired by the Regional Governor, has been established. Its members include Commissioner Benevolo and Giorgio Guberti, President of the Ferrara-Ravenna Chamber of Commerce. "It will be a tool for the benefit of the region and businesses," Facchini concludes. Regarding the Chamber of Commerce, he emphasizes the importance of the establishment of the Port Group, approved by the Chamber's Board of Directors. Facchini, as president of the Freight Forwarders, along with the Shipping Agents and Port Users, shared the opportunity to revive this activity, which had been operational in the past. The Group will also include a member of the Chamber of Commerce Council, the Municipality, and the Port Authority.