The Port System Authority of the Western Ligurian Sea and that of the Eastern Ligurian Sea have signed an agreement that will allow the marine sediments from dredging to be given new life for the construction of the new outer breakwater of Genoa. A strategic agreement destined to become a model for cooperation between public entities, paving the way for concrete circular economy practices in the construction of major infrastructure projects while reducing the exploitation of raw materials and safeguarding the environment.
The agreement regulates the delivery and reuse, within the framework of the construction of the new Genoa breakwater, of materials derived from dredging operations in the ports of La Spezia and Marina di Carrara, as provided for in Article 5 of Legislative Decree No. 153 of October 17, 2024. The operation involves the recovery and reuse, in a first phase, of 500,000 cubic meters of material, already characterized, with plans for the delivery of additional quantities of materials as outlined in the dredging plan of the AdSP of the Eastern Ligurian Sea for the three-year period 2025–2027, thereby reducing the need for disposal and limiting the extraction of new raw materials. The reuse of dredged sediments not only avoids waste but also reduces the overall ecological footprint of the project, contributing to decarbonization goals and the promotion of the circular economy. The delivery plan, developed jointly, establishes precise quantities, timelines, and operational methods, ensuring rigorous verification of the suitability of the materials in compliance with current regulations, as well as traceability and controlled management of each phase. This integrated approach combines infrastructure development and environmental protection, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and sustainable Ligurian port system. The Genoa–La Spezia agreement demonstrates that it is possible to reconcile progress and environmental respect through joint planning and serves as a virtuous example that could encourage similar initiatives in other Italian and European ports.
“With this agreement, we are taking a strategic step that demonstrates how cooperation between Port System Authorities can generate concrete value for the territory and the environment. The dredged sediments deemed suitable will become a useful resource for the construction of a critical project like the new outer breakwater of Genoa,” stated the President of the AdSP of the Western Ligurian Sea, Matteo Paroli. “This is a unique case in the national landscape, showcasing the ability of Ligurian institutions to work as a system and implement the principles of the circular economy in major infrastructure projects. This agreement is not just a technical accord but a model of shared vision that inextricably links port development to the environmental sustainability of projects.”
“I am extremely satisfied with the successful conclusion of the agreement, which has been in the works for some time, thanks to the valuable willingness of President Paroli, who enabled the swift definition of the details of this act—a sign of renewed and strategic collaboration between the two Ligurian AdSPs. This act represents a fundamental step in advancing the development projects of the port of La Spezia,” declared the Special Commissioner of the AdSP of the Eastern Ligurian Sea, Bruno Pisano. “The issue of dredging is urgent and a priority for our port system.
This procedure allows us to take an important step forward in the port development process, fully respecting environmental sustainability, in line with the objectives of the AdSP of La Spezia and Carrara.”
