Every day, thousands of boats navigate the canals of Venice, generating noise and pollution. To counteract this impact, the city began testing an innovative jet propulsion system that promises to transform water transportation into a cleaner and quieter medium.
This project, called Impronta-0 (Zero Footprint), was developed by engineers Ernesto Benini from the University of Padua and Raffaele Presenti from Ca’ Foscari University. With regional and European funding, it proposes to replace traditional propeller engines with a hydrojet system that sucks, compresses, and expels water to propel the boats.
“It’s like sailing, because the engine can’t be heard,” explains Benini, comparing this technology to the evolution in the aeronautical sector, which transitioned from propellers to jet engines. Among its main advantages, Impronta-0 would eliminate polluting emissions by operating with electricity, batteries, or hydrogen. It would also significantly reduce noise, a constant problem for Venetians, and lessen the impact of waves that erode the city’s foundations.
Venice, considered one of the most polluted cities in Italy, experienced an excess of suspended particles for 62 days in 2023, according to Legambiente’s annual report. This innovation could help improve air quality and protect its delicate environment.
Challenges and Future of New Clean and Quiet Transportation
Despite its benefits, the technology faces challenges. So far, it has only been tested on small boats, while larger vessels, such as the vaporetti, would require even more powerful engines yet to be developed.
Another obstacle is the initial cost, higher than that of conventional engines. However, industrialization and large-scale production could reduce prices. Additionally, its implementation would require adequate recharging infrastructure, similar to the challenge faced by electric cars.
The Municipality of Venice has shown interest in the project, with councilor Sebastiano Costalonga personally testing the prototype. However, its widespread adoption will depend on financial and political support.
How Will It Be Implemented?
The developers propose starting with a fleet of at least 50 boats, prioritizing water taxis, whose size is already compatible with the existing technology. “Venice should be a model of sustainability. Now we need political will and funding to make this change a reality,” Benini concludes.
This project could mark a turning point in Venice’s transportation, helping preserve its heritage against the challenges of climate change, depopulation, and mass tourism.
Can You Swim in the Canals of Venice?
While the canals of Venice are a fundamental part of the landscape, especially for local tourism, these waters are not suitable for swimming. This is because the canals are used as a wastewater disposal system.
Furthermore, it is very dangerous to swim in these canals as motorboats and gondolas circulate through them constantly and at high speeds, posing a risk not only to residents but also to tourists.
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