APS Bank has marked the inauguration of the new Terminal Donato Bramante at the Port of Civitavecchia, a major infrastructure project financed by the bank for Roma Cruise Terminal Srl (RCT). The terminal, developed through a partnership between Costa Crociere, Marinvest (MSC) and Royal Caribbean Cruises, significantly expands the port’s capacity as one of the Mediterranean’s busiest cruise hubs.

Cruise activity at Civitavecchia continues to grow, with 3.4 million passengers and 841 ship calls recorded in 2024, rising to an estimated 3.5 million passengers and 866 calls in 2025. Since RCT began operating in 2007, nearly 42 million passengers have passed through the port.

The new terminal features a spacious, modern check-in hall with 23 stations — scalable to 46 — as well as 30 information screens, a dedicated cruise bar and interiors inspired by iconic Roman and Civitavecchia landmarks. Sustainability measures include photovoltaic power and a transition to fully electric or hybrid vehicles on site from next year, in line with broader electrification of the port’s cruise docks. Construction of the terminal also supported local industry, involving 20 companies, half of which are based in Civitavecchia.

The project included significant quayside upgrades, expanding the quay from 9 to 22 metres, installing heavy-duty bollards, and introducing new LAN infrastructure to improve docking, manoeuvring and passenger flow. These enhancements are intended to strengthen Civitavecchia’s role as a key turnaround port and support continued growth in transport, accommodation and ancillary services linked to the cruise industry.

The inauguration was attended by civic authorities, senior executives from Costa, MSC and Royal Caribbean, Malta’s Ambassador to Italy, RCT leadership, business partners and senior APS Bank representatives.

APS Bank CEO Marcel Cassar described the project as an important milestone for both the port and the bank’s infrastructure financing portfolio. “We are proud to have supported the development of the new Terminal Donato Bramante, a project that strengthens Civitavecchia’s position as the ‘Port of Rome’. Its successful and timely execution, barely a year since we signed the loan agreement, reflects the energy that is fuelling RCT’s growth. It is also testament to our capabilities in financing sustainable infrastructure that drives economic activity and enhances the travel experience,” he said.