Torre Annunziata, July 8, 2019. Thanks to Marcello and Salvatore Gambardella, I cross the threshold of a shipyard for the very first time. I am welcomed by the lovely Anna, who introduces me to the workforce. Naturally, the emotion is overwhelming as my eyes wander across the entire environment.

First Impressions of the Deep Haven
At this time of day, the summer sunlight streams through the high windows, tracing a sequence of parallel rectangles on the floor. Furthermore, these geometric shapes gracefully adapt to the contours of the boats under maintenance or construction. Countless vessels of various types and sizes, resting on trailers or cradles, are surrounded by men at work. Meanwhile, the sounds of hammering echo uniformly through the sheds, while every now and then, flashes of light and welding sparks color the air.

Boarding: Where Raw Matter Takes Shape
The hull of the motor vessel, fully harnessed by scaffolding, displays its imposing bow. Before boarding, I meet Marcello, the naval engineer, who introduces me to the project. Consequently, from a ladder leaning against the stern, I finally step onto the weather deck.

In this very spot, I find myself before a skeleton of pipes and metal sheets where skilled men, with absolute ease, measure, cut, weld, and bolt. Therefore, I move on tiptoe; it feels almost like a sacrilege to interrupt the perfect synchronicity of their work.

Capturing the Magic Through the Lens
I observe: my eyes meet theirs, which divert from the action for brief moments, as if to grant permission for my work. Next, I see: I pull out my camera and capture the moment.

Indeed, there are so many unique moments I want to freeze in my lens:

A dramatic scenery of smoke, colors, and sparks that reveals a welder wrapped in his protective gear.
The detailed frame capturing two hands intent on cutting a metal rod.
Those shared daily memories that add up between a lunch break, a coffee, a cigarette, and a quick chat.

Month after month, the motor vessel takes shape: the hull, the first deck, the second deck, and finally the bridge. The sea awaits us. We are at the beginning of 2020, and the launch is scheduled for April.

The Unexpected Twist of History: The Lockdown
However, history had other plans. It is the evening of March 9, 2020, when President Conte announces to Italians that “unfortunately, there is no time left”. Too many sick, too many dead. Starting March 10, a new decree and subsequent lockdown take effect. Suddenly, the country shuts down and grinds to a halt. The following day, the World Health Organization declares: it is a pandemic.

The Return to Life and Work
Inevitably, silence envelops the Torre Annunziata shipyard as well.

On May 18, after 69 days of isolation, front doors reopen and the country gradually reactivates. Fortunately, work on the motor vessel finally resumes. Sometime later, I receive a WhatsApp message from Anna: “Hi Pino, just to let you know that we will probably launch the motor vessel on July 15. Call me on the 13th for confirmation.”

July 22: The Vega Sa 2723 Meets the Sea
A little over a year after my first entry into the shipyard, the big day has arrived.

9:00 AM: The motor vessel is already on the trailer. With the final fittings completed, amidst the festive atmosphere enveloping the entire shipyard, the journey toward the sea begins. Along the dirt road that opens up to a panoramic view of the majestic Mount Vesuvius, a team of workers facilitates the trailer’s progress.

The Final Touchdown
Thus, while the sun shines brightly, reflecting off the metal sheets of the motor vessel, we arrive in front of a massive crane. Once harnessed, the crane lifts the structure and gently lowers it into the water. Ultimately, it is 12:53 PM when the Vega Sa 2723 touches the surface of the sea for the very first time.