June 22 – The controversy over large cruise ships sailing through the heart of Venice and docking in the historic city was renewed with news that UNESCO, the UN’s world heritage organization, is considering adding Venice to its list of endangered treasures. The renewed call for an immediate ban on all large cruise ships came less than three weeks after the first cruise ship docked in the city

in more than a year and a half.

UNESCO fueled the debate over actions needed to save the city that is increasingly finding itself overwhelmed by rising seawater. Saying that it believes the fate of the city may be in danger if

officials don’t take immediate actions, UNESCO said it would be considering a proposal during its upcoming meetings during the second half of July. They specifically singled out the perception that cruise ships are adding to the flooding and increasing the dangers for the city on the lagoon. UNESCO is calling for a long-term solution that immediately and permanently prevents large cruise ships from entering the canals. The Maritime Executive / Read more