Coronavirus emergency response in the Ports of Genoa, Pra', Savona and Vado Ligure

This webpage provides a comprehensive update on the Port Authority’s response to the COVID-19 emergency in the Ports of Genoa, Pra’, Savona and Vado Ligure, with guidelines on health and safety protocols, and a status of our facilities.

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Amidst the public health “Coronavirus” emergency underway, the Ports of Genoa, Pra’, Savona and Vado Ligure remain open and continue to provide all port operations, and the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority pledges to keep the four ports fully operational to guarantee the smooth movement of freight across the country, without disruptions to the supply chain.

In addition, the Port Authority is working actively to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, in compliance with the recent Italian Prime Ministerial emergency provisions announced, together with recent legislation passed by the Ministers of Public Health, and Transport and Infrastructure.

The health and welfare of all those who work in the Ports of Genoa is our primary concern, and everything possible is being done to guarantee a safe workplace for all.

On 12 March, the Port Committee of Hygiene and Safety set out the guidelines for the prevention of the spread of COVID-19 in the area under the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority’s jurisdiction, comprising all cargo/passenger handling facilities and shipyards, with the joint objective of guaranteeing the safety of workers and the smooth functioning of all port operations.

The precautionary measures adopted require that all port operating companies and shipyards must ensure the disinfection of handling equipment and workplaces at regular intervals, alongside the application of recommendations such as the supply of sanitising hand gels, surgical masks and gloves, and the maintenance of at least 1-metre distance amongst co-workers. In addition, the guidelines prescribe a review of the layout of areas deployed to accommodate port users (ship crews/terminal operators/road-hauliers/passengers) to avoid overcrowding and reduce to a minimum direct contact, together with the promotion of an intensive use and expansion of the E-port system.

Temporary disruptions of port operations during the implementation of the new procedures will be managed with the cooperation of all the port stakeholders working towards the common goal of guaranteeing the safety of workers and the normal functioning of the Ports of Genoa which, at such a critical time for the nation, continues to carry out its strategic role as maritime gateway for imports/exports to/from the leading Italian industrial and consumer centres.

It is important to note that, although cruise activities are at a standstill worldwide, ferry services to the major Italian islands from Genoa, Savona and Vado are fully operational for cargo, whilst the container terminals in Genoa, Pra’ and Vado continue to accommodate vessels from across the world, albeit the regular liner services have undergone a rescheduling on the part of the leading ocean carriers.

The Port Hygiene and Safety Committee, chaired by the Port Authority and composed of the local health authorities, port terminal operators, road-hauliers and workers’ trade unions, meets regularly to monitor the situation. It has become clear that the scenarios of the Coronavirus emergency change rapidly and constantly, consequently the Committee may have to impose additional measures in response to new developments. Please note that the Italian section AGGIORNAMENTI CORONAVIRUS and the English section CORONAVIRUS UPDATE of the official Ports of Genoa website receives regular updates.

In addition, although many employees are working from home, the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority is open for business and all offices are fully operational.