Tension at the Ligurian port: activists and unions monitor operations, ready to strike if the cargo is transshipped
La Spezia – The cargo ship Cosco Pisces, suspected of transporting materials intended for the production of armaments for Israel, is at the center of growing mobilization in the Ligurian ports. According to the Weapon Watch observatory, there are five containers on board containing steel usable in the arms industry. Although the vessel is still in open waters, attention remains high. Around a hundred people have already gathered to protest against the ship’s docking, with a demonstration organized by the USB union and pacifist and anti-militarist groups. In La Spezia, where the ship has already made a stop, some activists and workers monitored port operations. Josè Nivoi of USB explained that the intention is to verify whether the suspicious containers will be transshipped onto a feeder vessel; in that case, the unions are ready to declare a strike and block the ship’s access even in Genoa. According to USB, there are currently no loading or unloading activities of military materials in the affected ports, but the situation is being closely monitored.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Genoa has shown an initial openness to dialogue. A delegation of port workers was received by the councilor for labor relations, Emilio Robotti, who reiterated the municipal administration’s opposition to all forms of war and expressed willingness to promote institutional actions in defense of peace and against any illegal arms trafficking. USB welcomed the gesture positively but considers it still insufficient. Nivoi pointed out how other cities, such as Turin and Barcelona, or regions like Puglia, have already taken clear and public stances against economic agreements with Israel, calling for Genoa to take a stronger position as well.
At the regional level, some councilors—including Gianni Pastorino, Selena Candia, and Jan Casella—have submitted motions for the suspension of economic relations with Israel. However, the motions were rejected. USB announced its intention to continue exerting political pressure, collaborating with local representatives to bring the issue back into discussion and ensure compliance with Italian regulations on the transit and sale of armament materials.
