1st February 2025 - The Port Authority Government Commissioner, Massimo Seno, was invited to speak in Rapallo at the conference "Moving towards the Future - : artificial intelligence and clean energy transition in maritime and road transport", organised by Telenord in collaboration with the Propeller Club Port of Genoa. In his address, Admiral Seno underlined above all the continued crucial role of humans alongside the technological developments vital to improving the overall performance and productivity of ports.
Citing his recent experience at the helm of the Ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado Ligure, Commissioner Seno highlighted one of the major challenges he was requested to meet: namely, to combine a review of the internal strategic management within the organisation, with the adoption of good port governance and leadership, and with the establishment of closer cooperation ties with other public authorities and administrations.
One of the top priorities the Port Authority Commissioner was invited, at the start of his mandate, to address, as major shareholder of the company Aeroporto Cristoforo Colombo Spa, focused on the future revival of Genoa City Airport, including the appointment of a new President and Board, and the forthcoming launch of an international tender for the sale of part of the Port Authority stake in the share capital of the Airport to experienced industry partners with the capability of increasing today’s flights and passenger volumes.
In terms of port performance, Admiral Seno proceeded to provide conference delegates with an update on the Ports of Genoa’s mission to expand its catchment area beyond the Alps, towards Switzerland and Southern Germany. The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority‘s 3-billion euro infrastructure investment programme is on track to improve maritime and overland accessibility across the construction of the New Open-Sea Breakwater and upgraded last mile road and rail links, alongside a more intensified and optimal use of the digital single window to serve all supply chain stakeholders, both in Italy and across Central Europe.
Government Commissioner Seno announced that recent 2024 total traffic volumes, handled by Genoa and Savona-Vado Ligure, point to a resilient port range which has reported overall stable growth, notwithstanding the disruptions and uncertainties caused by recent international crisis. The USA and China remain the Ports of Genoa’s main trading partners, as corroborated by the statistics released which confirm the United States as top destination for exports, and China as premier nation in terms of imports.
