The Spinelli Group will continue operating the Genoa Port Terminal until 30 June 2025 under a provisional concession granted on 13 January 2025 by the Management Committee of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority. This decision ensures the Genoa-based group can maintain operations after the State Council revoked its concession in October 2024. The Council had ruled that the terminal was primarily being used as a container port, contrary to the port master plan, which designates it as a multipurpose facility. Spinelli has announced an appeal to the Supreme Court (Corte di Cassazione) against this ruling.
In a brief statement, the Port Authority explained that "the issuance of this act, which also received a favourable opinion from the Advisory Commission on 8 January, introduces a specific requirement for the terminal's use. The areas must primarily support non-containerised activities in compliance with the State Council's decision, while simultaneously pursuing the public interest in maintaining and developing port traffic, ensuring the functionality of public land areas, and preserving employment levels. This aligns with the recommendations of the State Attorney General's Office. This measure is urgent while awaiting rulings from the State Council and Supreme Court regarding appeals filed by the Authority and the concessionaire, without prejudice to the Authority's future decisions."
Competition has already heated up for a potential replacement of Spinelli at the Genoa terminal. The Grimaldi Group has expressed its interest, reiterating the alleged illegitimacy of the current concession and proposing to use the terminal for its ro-ro and deep-sea activities. Grimaldi has also pledged to maintain current employment levels and even suggested that the workforce could grow in the future. Meanwhile, the PSA Group – which initiated the legal action leading to the State Council's decision – is keen to expand its activities at the Genoa terminal. Both Grimaldi and PSA recently sent formal objections to the Port Authority opposing the extension of Spinelli's concession. For now, however, the matter remains unresolved, at least until the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on Spinelli's appeal.
