The official tour of Assoporti’s new President, Roberto Petri, continues. Today he visited the North Tyrrhenian Port Network Authority’s headquarters at Palazzo Rosciano. He was welcomed by the President of the Port Network Authority, Davide Gariglio, who was appointed last November to manage the ports of Livorno, Piombino, Portoferraio and Rio Marina.
Mr. Petri’s visit forms part of a busy schedule of meetings that began following his election as President of the Italian Ports Association. The meeting with Mr. Gariglio and the Authority’s top management focused on key national and international port issues, with particular attention, on the domestic front, on the reform of the port system, and, on the international front, on the pressing issue of the war in Iran and the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The visit by the head of the Italian Ports Association was not merely a formal one, but also a work-oriented one. This morning, he had the opportunity to explore the port of Livorno from a unique vantage point – ie. by sea – on a coastguard vessel.
During the harbour tour, the President of the Port Network Authority outlined the numerous port infrastructure projects and investments currently underway, setting out the progress so far in managing the development of the port of Livorno. The tour included visits to Darsena Toscana, Darsena n.1, the area designated for the future boating marina, and the RO/RO traffic area.
Discussions focused particularly on the expansion of the harbour access channel, which is essential for enabling the port to accommodate the latest generation of containerships, and on the progress on completing Darsena Europa, the seaward expansion project set to transform the port. Mr. Petri praised the rapid advancement of the project, emphasising how the infrastructure represents a vital asset not only for Tuscany but for the country’s overall competitiveness.
The visit then continued at the Port Network Authority’s (PNA) headquarters, where Mr. Petri had the opportunity to meet senior management, with whom he shared his vision for the North Tyrrhenian Port Network focusing firmly on innovation and sustainability in order to set new operational standards. Mr. Petri considers the PNA’s investments to set up a modern cold ironing system and promote digital transition, notably the Tuscan Port Community System, which – as was pointed out – represents one of the most advanced examples of logistics digitalisation in Italy.
“It is an honour to welcome President Roberto Petri to Livorno today. His presence here demonstrates a deep commitment to the operational realities and human capital of our ports,” said Mr. Gariglio on the sidelines of the meeting. “The synergy between the Port Network Authorities and Assoporti is essential if we are to face the challenges ahead together,” he added, stressing that “we are ready to play our part, consolidating the role of Livorno and Piombino as cutting-edge logistics hubs.”
“I am very pleased with today’s visit and the discussions I had with President Davide Gariglio and the entire team at the Port Network Authority,” said Roberto Petri. “I was able to see for myself the value of the current investments and the clarity of the strategic vision guiding the development of the port of Livorno and the whole North Tyrrhenian system,” he added. He stressed that Darsena Europa and the widening of the Access Channel are crucial measures for strengthening the competitiveness of our ports on the international stage, just like the hard work being done on environmental sustainability and digitalization.
“At this challenging time, where geopolitical tensions are affecting the balance of global maritime trade, it is essential that the Italian port system continues to operate in a cohesive, coordinated manner,” Mr. Petri stressed. “Assoporti,” he concluded, “is and will be increasingly committed to supporting Port Network Authorities, facilitating institutional dialogue and contributing to the formulation of effective policies for the development of the sector and the growth of our nation.”
Translation by Giles Foster
