Genoa, February 6, 2026 — The ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado in Italy achieved a record high in container handling in 2025, nearing 3 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units).
The Italian ports system reached a new milestone in 2025, demonstrating its crucial role in global trade and logistics.
- The ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado handled nearly 3 million TEU in 2025, a historic high.
- Maritime transport accounts for over 90% of global freight flows, according to the Port System Authority.
- Investments are underway to improve infrastructure, including a new breakwater in Genoa and upgrades to rail and road connections.
- The Port System Authority is allocating 5 million euros to strengthen digital and cybersecurity systems between 2025 and 2026.
The data was announced by Matteo Paroli, president of the Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea, during a speech to the Genoa West Rotary Club, as reported by the Authority. Paroli emphasized the vital contribution of port professionals and the increasing complexity of ports within global supply chains.
Infrastructure Investments and Environmental Focus
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Paroli highlighted ongoing infrastructural developments, starting with the New Breakwater of Genoa, designed to accommodate larger, newer ships and ensure port operations in all weather conditions. Investments in rail and road connections are also planned to improve accessibility and separate port traffic from city traffic, with a partial opening of the new Sampierdarena road system anticipated in spring 2026.
Beyond infrastructure, the port system is investing in shipbuilding, with over 430 million euros allocated to the Genoa Sestri Ponente hub for cruise ship construction and repair. Environmental initiatives include projects to electrify quays, allowing ships to shut down engines during port calls, and the development of LNG as a transitional fuel, with ship-to-ship bunkering already implemented.
Arctic Routes and Mediterranean Importance
Addressing alternative shipping routes, Paroli noted the limitations of Arctic routes from environmental, operational, and economic perspectives. In 2025, approximately 100 ships traversed the Arctic, compared to around 100,000 using major global trade routes, he stated. The Mediterranean Sea, despite representing only 2% of global waters, remains central to maritime traffic, handling around 20% of the world’s total.
Why It Matters
The record container volume at the Ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado underscores Italy’s growing importance as a key logistics hub in the Mediterranean. This growth is not merely a matter of volume; it reflects a broader trend of increasing reliance on maritime transport for global trade. With over 90% of global freight moving by sea, according to Paroli, the efficiency and resilience of port systems like Genoa-Savona-Vado are critical to maintaining global supply chains. The substantial investments in infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and cybersecurity demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by a rapidly evolving maritime landscape. The focus on digitalization and cybersecurity, with a 5 million euro investment, is particularly noteworthy, as ports increasingly become targets for cyberattacks that could disrupt global trade.
