The new building and ship repair sector in the port ranks as one of Genoa’s primary industries and as key driver of the Italian blue economy, with major benefits for the local community overall in terms of employment and economic growth.
For this reason, it is important to capitalise upon the opportunities offered, across the implementation of a strategic development plan for the optimisation of land and basins of seawater, catering for the increasing demands for expansion on the part of Genoa’s vibrant cluster of shipyards. A plan bolstered by a major infrastructure investment programme, by ongoing cooperation between the Port and the City, and by close collaboration between the public authorities and private companies to attract new investments which can generate high added-value across the local economy.
These are the findings and future challenges which emerged from the event organised by Ente Bacini, hosted today at the Port Authority historic headquarters of Palazzo San Giorgio, dedicated to Genoa’s thriving ship construction and refitting industry, and to the full range of high-end services and bespoke solutions offered by over 80 specialised companies operating directly from the port.
In his keynote address, the Italian Vice-minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi, confirmed the strategic role played by the Genoa-based shipyards in serving the Italian economy overall. Whilst Paolo Piacenza, the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority Government Commissioner, recalled the Ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado’s top ranking as Italy’s premier port and as one of the leading facilities in the Mediterranean, not only in terms of cargo and cruise passenger throughput but also a major player in the new shipbuilding and refitting business. The numbers that count: a labour-intensive industry with a total of over 6500 workers and a local economic impact estimated at approximately 300 million euros. In fact, the Port Authority continues to invest and has recently allocated over 30 million euros for the expansion and the refurbishment of existing drydocks in Genoa’s Ship Repair Area, with a full range of policies aimed at improving sustainable development across the sector.
