The maiden call of the Taiwan-based global carrier Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation’s YM Willpower container ship, at the PSA Genova Prà terminal, provided the Ports of Genoa stakeholders with an opportunity to outline latest strategic developments underway at the Western Ligurian Sea Ports.
The next-generation 15,500 TEU Class LNG dual-fuel newbuild has been deployed on the Asia–Mediterranean trade route operated by the Premier Alliance (Yang Ming, ONE, HMM). The vessel forms part of Yang Ming’s long-term fleet optimisation programme and broader sustainability roadmap, aimed at achieving a sharp reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and sulphur oxides. In fact, the inaugural event highlighted the challenges faced by leading ports which must be aligned, in terms of new infrastructure, with ongoing technological developments adopted by global carriers in response to the demands of the clean energy transition.
Within this framework, the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority has, in recent years, embarked upon a 120-million euro sustainable energy and environmental management plan to mitigate the impact generated by port activities, across the progressive phasing-out of fossil fuels. Complementing this strategy a 167-million euro investment programme has been earmarked to upgrade the last-mile rail infrastructure, due to connect the Ports of Genoa, Pra’, Savona and Vado terminals to the forthcoming Terzo Valico hi-capacity/hi-speed railway line.
The ceremony was officiated by representatives of Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation and Finsea — partners in the joint Yang Ming (Italy) shipping agency — alongside the PSA Genova Prà terminal operator, Harbour Master’s Office and local authorities.
In his address, Silvio Fremura, the Port Authority Chief of Staff, observed that, “The maiden call of the YM Willpower at the Port of Genoa reflects an overall structural transformation underway across the shipping industry, requiring the attainment of increasingly high standards in operational, technological and environmental performance. Today’s event is part of a long-standing relationship: Yang Ming has been operating from Genoa since 1980.”
Fremura proceeded to detail the Port Authority’s energy and environmental plan which foresees, “A range of investments underway, including the installation of dedicated Onshore Power Supply facilities at the cargo and passenger terminals of Genoa and Savona-Vado to cut emissions across both port and urban areas. Plans are also advancing to promote the uptake of alternative fuels, including bio-LNG, alongside a series of green port projects funded by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). Taken together, these measures are shaping a port model increasingly oriented towards energy efficiency and operational sustainability. A pivotal role is also played by the upgrade of on-site terminal rail links, designed to boost supply chain integrations and optimise the management of the flows of traffic. The inaugural call of the YM Willpower is, therefore, fully consistent with an ongoing transformation, driven by targeted investments and a sustained capacity to adapt to the evolving demands of the maritime sector.”
