Another key international gathering at the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority’s headquarters, with a focus on the Norwegian green maritime sector.
16 October 2025 - President Matteo Paroli welcomed at Palazzo San Giorgio the fact-finding mission, coordinated by the Norwegian government’s official trade representative abroad, Innovation Norway, which grouped together a selection of companies with proven experience in maritime technology. The delegation, led by Erling Hoem, Minister Counsellor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, met with the leading players of Genoa’s vibrant and prosperous hub for shipbuilding and refitting, to enhance practical know-how in areas of possible mutual collaboration.
Today’s visit is part of a broader programme of bilateral cooperation which has recently been established between the Norwegian maritime economy and the Ports of Genoa, with strong focus on technological innovation and environmental sustainability, in line with the green port policies undersigned by the Port Authority.
In his welcome speech, President Paroli highlighted the strategic role played by the ship construction and repair industry in the Ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado, in terms of size and the high-service quality, and as an area in which the Port Authority continues to invest heavily and expand.
“Our port continues to thrive as the Mediterranean’s leading hub for shipbuilding and refitting,” stated President Paroli “Featuring over 80 specialised companies, the sector employs a total workforce of approximately 5.000, which serves with bespoke solutions the global cruise and yachting industry - as showcased each year by the Genoa Boat Show and by the current edition of the Genoa Shipping Week.” He went on the declare: “All our shipyards focus strongly on innovation and customization to create energy-efficient, high-tech vessels, with the request for eco-credentials rising fast on the orderbook. Consequently, Norway’s expertise and know-how in this market segment becomes a source for the establishment of a close cooperation between the Norwegian companies and the Italian shipyards.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister Counsellor of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Erling Hoem affirmed, “It is a great pleasure to be in Genoa and I thank the Port Authority for their warm welcome. It has been extremely interesting to learn more about the innovative activities carried out by the port, above all in terms of decarbonisation. Relations between Italy and Norway are excellent and have become even stronger in recent years. In the maritime sector, where both countries boast a long-standing tradition, the areas of mutual common collaboration are already many, but there is still a great potential to be exploited. We trust that, across this trade mission, it will be possible to cooperate further on a range of issues.”
