A one billion dollar investment, equivalent to around 930 million euros, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of the port of Genoa and Italy’s national logistics system through technological innovation, environmental sustainability and operational efficiency. This is the substance of the framework agreement defined between the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale (Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority) and Psa Italy, signed on 25 February 2026 in Singapore. The agreement was signed by the President of the Port Authority Matteo Paroli and the Chief Executive Officer of Psa Italy Roberto Ferrari, in the presence of Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi and the Group CEO of Psa International Ong Kim Pong, as part of an institutional mission that also involved Italy’s Ambassador to Singapore, Dante Brandi.
The agreement launches an initial phase of investment focused on technological implementation and infrastructure upgrades at the Psa Genova Pra’ terminal. In particular, it provides for the introduction of automated yard cranes and advanced technological systems, with the aim of increasing container handling capacity, improving logistics flows and enabling the accommodation of large vessels without operational constraints. Dredging activities are planned to support this objective.
The agreement also provides for a reorganisation of the terminal’s operational areas through the harmonisation of existing concessions, the redesign of truck logistics with the relocation of the port access gate and the creation of new storage areas, alongside the consolidation of spaces aimed at optimising traffic flows. Social partners will be involved in the transformation process, with the objective of safeguarding employment continuity and enhancing existing skills in line with the expected increase in volumes.
The Port Authority explains that the project aims to equip Italy and the Mediterranean with a high-tech terminal capable of competing with the main Northern European ports and capturing a growing share of international trade flows. The approach is consistent with the current Port Master Plan and forms part of a broader strategy to consolidate traffic volumes and stabilise the sector. The investment includes the use of fully electric equipment for cargo handling, eliminating noise and CO2 emissions from yard operations, in line with national and European ecological transition targets.
Matteo Paroli, President of the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale (Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority), said the one billion dollar investment represents a private commitment of a scale never previously seen in an Italian port and complements 3.6 billion euros in public investment already allocated. The agreement, he stressed, makes it possible to move beyond a complex phase in relations between the Authority and operators, creating the stability required to attract long-term capital.
The signing of the agreement took place during an institutional mission to Singapore that included meetings with the senior management of Psa International, a visit to the Tuas terminal, inaugurated on 1 September 2022 and scheduled for completion in 2040, with a full capacity of 65 million TEU, and discussions with the Port Authority of Singapore on digital port community management systems. The reference to the Tuas model highlights a focus on automation, digitalisation and process integration as key levers to strengthen the competitive positioning of the Ligurian port within the Mediterranean context.
M.G.
