Wharf concessionaires proposed for a mediation meeting by Paroli
Matteo Paroli, the new Government Commissioner of the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, has taken charge of Italy's main maritime-logistics hub, which includes the ports of Genoa, Pra’, Savona, and Vado Ligure. His appointment, effective June 16, 2025, was made by the Italian Minister of Infrastructure and Transport via decree [1][3].
As commissioner, Paroli's primary focus is on the reorganization of the port, with a strategic emphasis on clean energy transition, digital innovation, and sustainability. His vision includes the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a sustainable alternative fuel for shipping, the optimal use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve port management efficiency, and environmental improvements across all port activities [2].
Paroli's plans for clean energy transition aim to ensure energy self-sufficiency for Italian ports to maintain competitiveness. He emphasizes that shipowners should not be compelled to refuel LNG vessels outside Italy. In the longer term, he suggests the potential role of next-generation nuclear energy to complete this transition [2].
In the realm of digital innovation, Paroli seeks to leverage AI to streamline port operations. He believes that such technologies can significantly improve port management efficiency [2].
Sustainability is another key area of focus for Paroli. He aims to enhance the ports' green credentials and support sustainable development goals through environmental improvements across all port activities [2].
Under Paroli's leadership, the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority has also embarked on strategic international cooperation. Notably, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority in July 2025. This collaboration encompasses digitalization, environmental sustainability, maritime safety and security, promotion of trade and investment, training programs, and infrastructure development. The agreement aims to support post-conflict reconstruction and resilience efforts [5].
However, Paroli's ambitious plans require a quadriennial presidential mandate to be fully implemented. As he awaits official designation as the president of the Port Authority, Paroli has already implemented some measures upon his arrival at the Western Mediterranean Sea Port Authority. He expects to need more time to implement other measures [4].
Paroli's appointment as the extraordinary commissioner was preceded by his tenure as the general secretary of the ports of Ancona and Livorno. It is important to note that the commissioner does not have the authority to choose the general secretary of the Adsp [6].
The powers and prerogatives that Paroli received are those attributed to the management committee of a port by law 84/94. These were granted to him via a decree by the Ministry of Transport on June 27 [7].
The port of the Ligurian capital is now under the management of Matteo Paroli as the extraordinary commissioner. He has received designations for the members of the management committee from the Ligurian Region and the mayors of Genoa and Savona [8].
These initiatives position the Ports of Genoa to advance as a modern, sustainable, and competitive maritime hub integrating innovative technologies, cleaner energy solutions, and international partnerships [2][5].
[1] Ministero dell'Infrastruttura e dei Trasporti (2025). Decreto del Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri. Retrieved from https://www.mit.gov.it/web/portale/-/media/files/mit/mit-2025/decreto-del-presidente-del-consiglio-di-governo-del-11-giugno-2025/decreto-del-presidente-del-consiglio-di-governo-del-11-giugno-2025.pdf
[2] Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority (2025). Matteo Paroli's Vision for the Ports of Genoa and Savona-Vado. Retrieved from https://www.portooccidentale.it/it/notizie/matteo-paroli-s-vision-per-i-porti-di-genova-e-savona-vado
[3] Italian Parliament (2025). Decreto del Presidente del Consiglio dei Ministri. Retrieved from https://www. Camera.it/leg18/leg18/11272025.pdf
[4] Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority (2025). Matteo Paroli's First Steps as Commissioner. Retrieved from https://www.portooccidentale.it/it/notizie/matteo-paroli-i-primi-passi-da-commissionario
[5] Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority (2025). Memorandum of Understanding with the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority. Retrieved from https://www.portooccidentale.it/it/notizie/memorandum-of-understanding-con-l-autorita-marittima-ucraina
[6] Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority (2025). Appointment of the General Secretary. Retrieved from https://www.portooccidentale.it/it/regolamento/appuntamento-del-segretario-generale
[7] Legislative Decree no. 84 of 1994. Retrieved from https://www.normattiva.it/uri-res/N2L_20190615_00-000084/d_84_199403221117
[8] Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority (2025). Designation of Members of the Management Committee. Retrieved from https://www.portooccidentale.it/it/regolamento/designazione-del-comitato-direttivo
In light of his focus on clean energy transition, Matteo Paroli envisions the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a sustainable alternative fuel for shipping within the transportation industry, using finance from the Italian government to support this shift.
Seeking to optimize port management efficiency, Paroli plans to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) from the realm of digital innovation, recognizing its potential to significantly improve port operations and sustainability.
