Genoa, 2 April 2026 – The US delegation from the California State Government, during the course of an official visit to Genoa, was received at the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority historic headquarters of Palazzo San Giorgio. The fact-finding mission, comprising elected members of both the State Senate and Assembly, alongside a select group of representatives from the business community skilled in government and public relations, formed part of a wider Legislative Delegation Trip across Europe.
The Chief Engineer of the Port Authority, Fabrizio Mansueto, together with Communications and Marketing Officers, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the the strategic operations and development plans of the Ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado. Focus was placed on the US ports as premier export destination of the Ligurian ports, highlighting the resilience and continued steady growth in cargo volumes, despite the challenges posed by recently imposed tariffs on Italian goods to the USA.
Technological innovation and automation of a range of container terminal activities featured prominently in the discussions, with specific reference to advancements in yard management and gate systems. Sustainability was likewise a central theme, as officials outlined the roadmap of the Ports of Genoa towards the decarbonisation of port activities, aligning with broader clean energy transition targets. The Senate and Assembly members contributed insightful perspectives drawn from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, both recognised globally for their implementation of onshore power supply. Comparable infrastructure is now nearing completion at cruise and ferry terminals in Genoa and Savona. The delegation also expressed keen interest in ongoing developments in Savona, where plans are advancing to establish a smart electrical power grid, integrating photovoltaic generation, energy storage and real-time distribution systems. The initiative is set to position Savona as Italy’s first fully integrated sustainable port energy hub.
The visit concluded with a guided tour of Palazzo San Giorgio’, a landmark building dating from 1260. Particular appreciation was shown for the marble inscription in the Sala delle Compere, bearing the text of a letter sent by Christopher Columbus to his native city upon his return from the voyage that led to the discovery of America.
