The International Propeller Club – Italia is gearing up for its twelfth foreign mission, which is set to take place on April 9 and 10, 2025, in the beautiful country of Albania. This mission follows a series of initiatives that began in 2015, aimed at fostering best practices in shipping, port operations, and logistics.
Club President Umberto Masucci shared insights about the significance of these missions, stating, “This is the twelfth mission abroad for the Propeller. The missions, which started in 2015, aim to promote best practices in shipping, port operations, and logistics, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors of the Italian maritime cluster while creating strong networking ties with local communities.”
The agenda for the upcoming mission includes a series of meetings in the capital city, Tirana, involving local authorities, representatives from the local maritime cluster, and the Italian delegation. One of the highlights will be a round table discussion focused on “Ports and Shipping: Strategic Drivers for Albania and Italy,” organized in partnership with Srm, the research center connected with the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, a scientific partner of the Propeller Club.
After the Tirana meetings, the mission will move to Durazzo, where discussions will continue aboard the iconic ship Amerigo Vespucci. This ship is recognized not just for its maritime capabilities but also for its role in representing Italian culture globally. “We are particularly grateful to the Marina Militare,” Masucci continued, “for hosting a training cruise on board the Nave Vespucci for a group of around fifteen students from various nautical institutes and the Accademia della Marina Mercantile Italiana.” This gives students a unique opportunity to experience life at sea, an invaluable educational element.
The Nave Amerigo Vespucci itself is currently engaged in its Mediterranean Tour after completing an impressive 20-month world voyage, where it stopped at 35 ports across five continents, covering over 46,000 nautical miles. This tour is set to feature 17 stops, culminating in Genova on June 10, 2025, coinciding with the celebration of Giornata della Marina Militare.
Its third stop in the Mediterranean Tour is scheduled for Ancona from April 1 to April 3, 2025. Visitation for this stop on the ship's schedule is already fully booked, with hopes lingering for additional opportunities to tour the ship. The Tour team emphasized, “The only means of booking and accessing Nave Amerigo Vespucci is through the official Tour Vespucci platforms and communication channels.”
In a nod to technological advancement, the official Tour Vespucci website now offers real-time tracking of the ship's location, speed, navigation status, and weather, enhancing the visitor experience by allowing fans to follow the vessel throughout its journey. Upcoming stops also include Venice and a highly anticipated return to Ancona.
The Amerigo Vespucci will be a central fixture for the impressive narrative of Italian maritime history, with schools leveraging its visits to promote nautical education and cultural heritage. This initiative highlights both the historical significance of the ship and the ongoing commitment to maritime training for the next generation of sailors.
As the dates draw near, the excitement builds within the maritime community and beyond. This holistic approach to maritime education and cultural exchange not only strengthens ties between Italy and Albania but also fosters goodwill and shared maritime goals that benefit both nations.
It’s an exciting time for maritime enthusiasts and aspiring sailors alike, as the upcoming mission promises to broaden horizons and strengthen international maritime collaborations.
