Decree-Law No. 103/2021 containing urgent measures for the protection of waterways of cultural interest and for the safeguarding of Venice, as well as urgent provisions for labor protection.

The Decree, under Article 1.2, declaring the Venetian waterways San Marco Basin, San Marco Canal, and Giudecca Canal a national monument, effectively bans cruise ships and other large vessels from the Venice Lagoon. The landing of these large vessels, due to their size, hull length, height and release of hazardous substances is considered incompatible with the higher aim of ensuring Lagoon waterways integrity. The Decree establishes a special fund to sustain, under certain conditions, vessel companies and port and harbor management company that are negatively impacted by the ban.