Genoa, 14 April 2026 – This morning the Swiss Ambassador to Italy, Roberto Balzaretti, paid an official visit to the Ports of Genoa as part of the “In Cammino con la Svizzera” programme, a project designed to enhance bilateral relations between Switzerland and the Italian regional and local authorities.
Accompanied by the Consul General of Switzerland in Milan, Stefano Lazzarotto, and Honorary Consul to Genoa René Rais, the Ambassador was received at Palazzo San Giorgio, the historic headquarters of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, by Secretary General Tito Vespasiani and Port Commander Marco Nobile.
“This visit reaffirms the longstanding, deep-rooted ties between the Port of Genoa and Switzerland, a bond not only anchored to the past, but also reinforced by the Ligurian capital’s strategic role as southern maritime gateway along the Rhine-Alpine rail freight corridor, spanning 8 countries, including Switzerland”, declared the Secretary General Vespasiani. “Switzerland represents a key catchment market of the Ports of Genoa. It is important to note that the Port Authority is implementing a sizable capital investment plan to upgrade on-terminal rail connections to the national/international railway network, comprising the forthcoming hi-speed/hi-capacity Terzo Valico line across the Apennines. Our priority is to ensure seamless, reliable and timely overland transport services, a prime driver in strengthening the competitive edge of today’s maritime ports and fostering broader economic growth.”
The delegation visited the Port of Genoa’s extensive and diverse range of facilities aboard a patrol vessel provided by the Coastguards, gaining a close-up view of terminal operations and of the progress of major infrastructure works, including the new breakwater, a project strategic to the port’s future development.
Discussions focused on the North Sea–Rhine–Mediterranean corridor, a key European multimodal cross-border axis connecting the Ports of Genoa to the leading manufacturing and consumer centres in landlocked Switzerland and across Central Europe in general. Within this framework, both sides reaffirmed the importance of ongoing Italian–Swiss cooperation in boosting intermodalism and promoting a modal shift from road to rail.
“Liguria serves as Switzerland’s gateway to the sea, just as Switzerland represents one of Italy’s gateways to northern Europe,” stated Ambassador Balzaretti. “The Rhine–Alpine corridor connects the Port of Genoa to northern Europe via Switzerland, establishing it as vital artery for freight transport. Switzerland actively promotes the shift of traffic from road to rail, in close collaboration with Ligurian stakeholders. At the same time, the Port of Genoa remains one of the main entry points for Swiss cargo.”
The meeting also provided participants with an opportunity to examine recent trends in maritime transport against the backdrop of worldwide geopolitical uncertainty and its repercussions on the global supply chain. In this rapidly evolving landscape, the key to addressing the major challenges posed by the continued disruptions is to offer reliable, flexible and sustainable operational models, capable of ensuring the smooth flow of international trade.
Against this background, the Ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado continue to consolidate their role as a strategic modern logistics platform serving Switzerland’s supply chain; bolstered, in addition, by a 3.6 billion euro infrastructure investment programme, upgraded rail links and a full range of specialised terminals equipped to cater for all key commodity sectors.
“The launch of the fourth step of the “In Cammino con la Svizzera” initiative from the Port of Genoa,” concluded Ambassador Balzaretti, “provides an ideal opportunity to underscore the vital role of logistics and transport, not only in facilitating international trade, but also in supporting the broader clean energy transition. The mobility revolution goes beyond the scope of economic exchange. This visit, which includes a boat trip, a funicular ascent, a walk across Genoa and a bike tour along the scenic Riviera from Imperia to Sanremo, allows us to translate words into action, by placing people at the heart of the initiative and by promoting a model of mobility that is both sustainable and environmentally responsible.”
