The strategic role of the Ports of Genoa along the Mediterranean Corridor and the upgrading of inland connections with Europe were at the centre of an on-site visit by Mathieu Grosch, European Coordinator of the TEN-T Mediterranean Corridor. Accompanied by Matteo Paroli, President of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, Grosch inspected the port’s terminals and facilities by boat.
The visit took place aboard a vessel operated by the Italian Coast Guard. The high-profile delegation included the President of the Liguria Region Marco Bucci, Government Commissioner for the Construction of the Terzo Valico High-speed/High-capacity Railway Link Calogero Mauceri, and the Maritime Director of Liguria Admiral Antonio Ranieri.
The meeting provided an opportunity to examine in greater depth the role of the Ligurian ports within the TEN-T network, with specific emphasis on the development of rail connections between the Mediterranean ports and Europe’s major manufacturing and consumer centres.
The New Breakwater of Genoa, designed to cater for the next generation of ultra-large ships and support the growth of international trade, was also a key focus of the discussions. The scale of the Port Authority’s overall investment programme further underlines the strategic importance of improving inland rail connections, ensuring that increased port capacity is matched by greater capacity to move goods seamlessly along the Mediterranean Corridor and towards the heart of Europe.
The visit forms part of a wider dialogue on the development of the TEN-T network and European infrastructure priorities, ahead of the Connecting Europe Days scheduled for 30 September and 1 October. On this occasion, the Port of Genoa will feature in round-table talks dedicated to the Mediterranean Corridor, moderated by the EU Coordinator Mathieu Grosch, focusing on the role of ports and rail connections in the development of an increasingly integrated, efficient and competitive European transport network.
