With the approval of the regional resolution on 6 May 2025, the Tuscany Region and Luciano Guerrieri, special commissioner of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority, have formalised an agreement marking a significant step forward in the construction of the Darsena Europa terminal at the port of Livorno, the new container terminal at the Tuscan gateway. The agreement now allows the final design phase of the first part of the project to move ahead, covering maritime infrastructure and dredging works.
Thanks to the exceptional procedure provided by Decree-Law 32/2019, the commissioner is authorised to approve project plans with full effect, replacing all other permits and opinions except those relating to environmental and landscape matters. The extraordinary regional contribution — up to 200 million euros — will provide a solid financial foundation, supplemented by national public funding and private investment, including project financing mechanisms for the construction of quays and terminal facilities. The agreement also establishes an environmental and socio-economic observatory to monitor the impact of the works and ensure transparency for local communities.
The Darsena Europa project is not merely a physical expansion of the port, but a qualitative leap in its operational capacity. It will feature next-generation quays, deep-water basins to accommodate the latest generation vessels, and upgraded road and rail links. Designed as an integrated logistics hub, it will support growth in container and ro-ro traffic, attract new operators, and strengthen the competitiveness of the entire Tuscan port system.
With the agreement signed, the operational phase can now begin. The first construction site is scheduled to open on 12 May 2025. This long-awaited milestone follows years of planning, coordination with local institutions, framework agreements and complex negotiations between public and private stakeholders. The involvement of the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea Port System Authority, Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, relevant ministries and local authorities will ensure coordinated implementation in line with previous memoranda of understanding.
