“Fedepiloti is at the forefront of the technological challenge transforming ports,” stated Roberto Bunicci, President of Fedepiloti.
Speaking at the 78th National Assembly of the Italian Federation of Port Pilots, held at The Westin Excelsior in Rome, Bunicci opened the session by underscoring the Federation’s commitment to supporting the evolution of the Italian port system through innovation, risk management, and a forward-looking strategy.
“The year 2024 ended without major incidents and with the withdrawal of the appeal against the new tariff criteria,” Bunicci reported. “However, the revenue from pilotage services recorded only a modest increase of 1.06% compared to 2023, despite the annual application of tariff adjustments. The 2025–2027 tariff renewal, currently under review by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, foresees an 8.27% increase, though unevenly distributed across Italian ports.”
Bunicci also raised concern over increasing geopolitical and regulatory instability:
“We are concerned about new tariffs and the growing presence of the so-called ‘dark fleet,’ an opaque segment of maritime traffic that evades international controls. In this context, situational awareness is no longer a luxury but a necessity — the ability to perceive what is happening, interpret it accurately, and act in real time.”
A New Role for Pilots in a Changing Port Ecosystem
Bunicci emphasized that safety and digitalization are no longer future challenges, but priorities in the present.
As Chief Pilot of the Port of Ravenna and President of Fedepiloti since October 2022, he leads an association that brings together 240 pilots across 32 corporations, operating on 124 pilot vessels throughout Italy.
The focus of the Assembly was on “Situational Awareness” — a 360-degree understanding of operational, political, and technological dynamics in the port sector.
“It means the ability to anticipate risks, coordinate responses, and prevent incidents, especially in a context where vessels are increasing in size and operating conditions are becoming more complex due to climate change.”
Key Institutional Contributions
Admiral Nicola Carlone, Commandant General of the Italian Coast Guard, addressed the importance of proactive risk assessment:
“Ship sizes are increasing much faster than ports can adapt. Risk evaluation is critical. We’ve been testing 5G MASS technology and are ready for its next phase. We ask institutions to take part in the project and thank Fedepiloti for their daily work and commitment.”
Patrizia Scarchilli, Director at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, underlined the challenges of an increasingly volatile global context:
“From the pandemic to the war in Ukraine, from the attacks in Israel to the Red Sea crisis, today’s shipping is shaped by unpredictable events. Fuel and insurance costs are rising, and traffic volumes are declining. This affects pilotage revenues and requires careful tariff planning. We also recently shared with the Coast Guard a new draft of the pilot recruitment exam, which includes a revised age limit of 42, in agreement with Fedepiloti.”
Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies, Nello Musumeci, emphasized the need for a strategic and integrated national maritime vision:
“Italy must rediscover its identity as a maritime nation. We need an integrated plan that aligns infrastructure, maritime professions, and environmental sustainability. Pilots are guardians of safety and operational continuity, especially in times of geopolitical and logistical crisis.”
Alberto Rossi, Secretary General of Assarmatori, highlighted the growing maturity of the maritime cluster:
“There is a need for shared problem-solving. European regulations, especially on climate, are already impacting daily operations, from ferry services to transshipment. It is essential that Italy retains control of key logistics chains and invests in alternative fuels such as LNG, biofuels, and methanol. Pilots are an integral part of this effort.”
Luca Sisto, Director General of Confitarma, added:
“We aim to build a modern logistics framework, but never at the expense of safety or responsibility. Dialogue with pilots is essential to navigate the challenges of the global market.”
Innovation and Technology: The Way Forward
Two significant technological projects were presented:
- 5G MASS, first tested globally in 2023 at the Port of Livorno aboard a Grimaldi Ro/Ro vessel. Developed within the framework of the European Space Agency’s “Smart and Uncrewed Shipping” initiative, it aims to create a real-time, low-latency data-sharing system between ships and ports, forming the foundation of digital and autonomous navigation.
- X-Bridge, developed by CETENA (a Fincantieri company), is an advanced bridge assistance system that enhances navigational safety by providing crew members with real-time information and improving onboard communication.