The SNC Severn, the American vessel carrying military equipment for Camp Derby, will not be berthing in Livorno, as a result of the protesters, trade unions (led by USB) and dockworkers who set up a picket line last Monday at Molo Italia, opposite the quay where the cargo ship was due to berth.
The news was announced by Livorno’s Prefect, Giancarlo Dionisi: “It has been agreed with the Coastguard and the Maritime Authority that the vessel is to anchor offshore pending final decisions,” he said, adding that “the official communication from the US authorities regarding the alternative port is expected over the next few hours.”
“Livorno has protested, shouting NO to the war and genocide in Gaza,” Mayor Luca Salvetti pointed out, stressing that coordinated effort was the key to the success: “The fact that the ship has not berthed in our port is a message that our city has sent that has reached other ports and the whole country. We hope that our government will take a clear stance, that the assault on Gaza will cease and that the path to peace will once again have solid foundations. Livorno, with its people, its institutional and representative network, has done a great job over the last few hours.”
Meanwhile, the port blockade has been confirmed, although it may soon be lifted.
Translation by Giles Foster
