The Management Committee of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority has approved the renewal of the concession awarded to Genoa Port Terminal (51% Spinelli and 49% Hapag-Lloyd) until 31 December 2054 (29 years).
The decision, upheld by the Advisory Commission which convened prior to the board meeting, is the outcome of the complex proceedings arising from the Italian State Council’s recent ruling of 2024 which had revoked the original concession of 2016 for non-compliance with the Port Masterplan in force. Subsequent to the judgement, the Port Authority initiated a new technical and legal process to examine in detail the specific terms and conditions of the concession. The in-depth analysis conducted identified the procedural requirements governing the allocation of the concession and the criteria to be used in the application of the principle regarding the establishment and breakdown of the port activities designated to a specific area. The new concession redefines the operating conditions of the terminal, reintroducing its function as a multipurpose facility as prescribed, in compliance with the State Council’s ruling and the Masterplan in force. Consequently, trade volumes, jobs and port planning requirements are hitherto guaranteed, pending the conclusion of the appeals. In addition, the concession foresees a set of guidelines which ensure the flexibility inherent to a multipurpose terminal, requiring the deployment of handling equipment compatible with the designated function and the definition of the layout, in accordance with the recommendations of the Port Authority, and with the added support of the Transport Regulation Authority, in relation to the adherence with the principle of fair competition, across the application of an innovative system of economic and administrative sanctions in the event of non-compliance.
The President of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, Matteo Paroli, stated: “The renewal of the concession awarded to Genoa Port Terminal is the result of hard work, carried out in full compliance with the provisions of the State Council’s ruling. The Port Authority has successfully addressed a complex process across a transparent and rigorous examination of legal and technical issues, with the invaluable input and expertise of the Attorney General's Office. A special thanks to the Advisory Commission and to the Management Committee, to the team of consultants and to the Port Authority staff which together have made it possible to redefine the terminal’s operating conditions, in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Port Masterplan and in the State Council’s ruling, whilst simultaneously safeguarding trade volumes and employment. This resolution not only guarantees the optimal regulatory framework to promote port traffic, but also represents a decisive step towards the consolidation of the credibility of the port's governance, the strengthening of closer relations with the establishment and stakeholders, and the creation of the prerequisites to achieve enduring sustainable development.”
