Genova-Savona, new board inaugurated

Genova - “I think the ports of Genoa and Savona could reach the 4,000,000-TEU mark, and with those volumes there’s a need for new terminals at Calata Bettolo and Vado Ligure.”

This is what Paolo Signorini, president of the Western Ligurian Sea port system, stated following the inaugural meeting of the Management Committee that will lead the newly formed Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea System, which includes the ports of Genoa and Savona. Signorini alluded to likely projections and integration of the two ports: the goal is to raise freight traffic by 1.5-2 million TEU in the next two to three years. “In the ports of Genoa and Savona I see complementarity, combined with competition, but the government’s goal is to make these ports the main, or one of the main, Italian port systems, through increased trade and not at the expense of one another.”

Its first “Operating Committee” will be held in late March and will address the issues of concession renewals, the Observation Tower, and finding a location for the allocation of the dry docks, as well as the budget.

Regarding the topic of port-side jobs, which the Delrio reform has largely overlooked, the “Compagnia Unica” model remains without a question the option at all levels, as this formula has proven to offer flexibility and capacity for dealing with an irregular work pace throughout the EU,” said Signorini. “To continue on this path, however, everyone must put in an effort. While on one side there are rates to negotiate with individual terminal operators, the port Authority could also contribute from its port tax proceeds. The state could also provide investments in skill-training programmes, so as to enable the company to reinforce its performance in activities that require a more advanced technological know-how.”