In the first half of 2026, the Genoa, Savona and Vado Ligure port system handled approximately 31.1 million tonnes of cargo, down 1.9% year on year. Container throughput reached 1.45 million TEUs, a year-on-year decrease of 2.7%.

The underlying cargo mix, however, showed a different trend from the overall figures. In H1, Gateway traffic grew by 1.6%, while transshipment volumes fell by 21.3%. Container throughput in the second quarter reached 772,534 TEUs, up 1% year on year.

Meanwhile, full import containers increased by 6.3%, while full container flows linked to trade with the Italian hinterland grew by 2.1%. Rail container transport also continued to grow, with rail connections between the port and major economic hubs in northern Italy strengthening further.

These figures indicate that although overall port throughput declined, cargo flows directly connected to the Italian market and its hinterland continued to grow, pointing to a shift in the port's business mix. The growing importance of Gateway traffic highlights the continued role of the Port of Genoa as a key gateway for supply chains connecting China, Italy and the wider European hinterland.

For China-Italy trade, the Port of Genoa is not only an important entry point for seaborne cargo arriving in Italy, but also provides connections to Milan, Lombardy and other markets in northern Italy and the wider European hinterland. For Chinese companies, logistics from China to Italy involves more than international ocean freight. Customs clearance, warehousing, cargo distribution and local delivery after arrival are also important parts of the logistics chain. As Chinese companies expand their presence in Italy and the wider European market, Italian fulfillment warehouses, regional warehousing and local delivery are becoming increasingly important.

Meanwhile, freight rates on the Shanghai–Genoa route remain relatively high. According to the latest data released by Drewry on August 6, the spot rate for a 40-foot container was approximately US$5,506 per FEU, down 2% from the previous week. Although rates on the route have eased recently, transportation costs remain under pressure.

Therefore, the 1.9% year-on-year decline in Genoa port cargo throughput in H1 2026 does not necessarily indicate an overall weakening of port activity. 

Compared with focusing solely on changes in total throughput, shifts in Gateway traffic, full import containers and hinterland transport provide a clearer picture of the Port of Genoa's role in supply chains connecting China, Italy and Europe. For Chinese companies entering the Italian market, the Port of Genoa is relevant not only to international ocean freight, but also to subsequent customs clearance in Italy, warehousing, inventory management and distribution across northern Italy.