Rapallo celebrates the return of its marina with the recent inauguration of Porto Carlo Riva, bringing back to life an important structure that had been severely damaged during the 2018 storm surge. The redevelopment project, managed by real estate firm Bizzi & Partners, transformed the port into a modern, state-of-the-art technological facility.
The reconstructed Carlo Riva Port
Originally opened in 1975, Rapallo Landing, the first private marina in Italy, was designed by engineer Carlo Riva, founder of the Riva shipyards in Sarnico. The new marina, which bears his name, was designed with the goal of preserving his legacy and carrying forward his vision of excellence.
After the severe weather event in 2018, which caused the breakwater to collapse and significant damage to moored boats, an ambitious redevelopment phase was initiated. The reconstruction of the breakwater and other port infrastructure was completed in 2022, ensuring a higher standard of safety than required by law to meet the challenges of climate change.
Architect Susanna Scarabicchi, of Tectoo Studio, signed the architectural design of the new port, while the work was managed by Bizzi & Partners Group and carried out by Savarese Construction and Sales. Overall, the investment for this work amounted to more than 70 million euros, more than half of which was earmarked for the refurbishment of the breakwater.
250 new berths in Rapallo
The Carlo Riva Harbor is designed to accommodate up to 250 vessels, ranging from 7.5 to 60 meters in length and a maximum draft of 5 meters along its nine protected docks and piers. Although the number of berths is fewer than before, the new port offers a wide range of services and facilities, including fuel stations and charging facilities for electric cars and boats.
Other facilities include a new underground parking lot, restaurants, bars, clothing and nautical equipment stores, a grocery store, and boat services, as well as conciergerie and guarding. In addition, a panoramic Club House is planned to be opened on the main quay, overlooking Rapallo and the sea.
While the marina is already fully operational at sea, onshore facilities will be completed in the coming months. The non-potable water used in the port comes mainly (80 percent) from the Rapallo sewage treatment plant, and measures have been taken to protect local marine flora and fauna in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment.
The presentation press conference was attended by distinguished personalities such as Senate President Ignazio La Russa, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, Rapallo Mayor Carlo Bagnasco, and Regional President Giovanni Toti. The latter stressed the importance of the Carlo Riva Port as an engine for the local economy, with the creation of more than 200 new jobs in the marina and related activities.
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