Italy is home to key seaports in Europe. In 2023, Italian ports collectively handled approximately 473 million tonnes, and the annual number of port calls is over 240 thousand. Below is an overview of the five largest container ports in Italy, ranked from smallest to largest based on total tonnage handled in 2023.
Major seaports in Italy – top 5
Here’s a map of Italy with its biggest seaports.
The largest port in Italy – a map
5. Port of Cagliari (ITCAG)
- Total cargo in 2023 in tonnes: 29 m
- Key commodities: zinc, lead, feldspar, wine, dairy products, grain, timber, coal
- Website: adspmaredisardegna.it/en
The Port of Cagliari is located on Sardinia, in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea. It serves as a key component of the island’s economy. It is one of the oldest port areas, being a commercial port for over 2500 years.
4. Port of Livorno (ITLIV)
- Total cargo in 2023 in tonnes: 30.3 m
- Key commodities: forest products, new vehicles, food products
- Website: portialtotirreno.it/port-of-livorno
The Port of Livorno is located in the North-west of Tuscany, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It handles various types of cargo, including vehicles, machinery, RO-RO, LO-LO, bulk solids and liquids, and more.
3. Port of Gioia Tauro (ITGIT)
- Total cargo in 2023 in tonnes: 42.3 m
- Key commodities: electronics, transshipment containers, textiles
- Website: portodigioiatauro.it
The Port of Gioia Tauro is located in Southern Italy, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is one of the most important hubs for container traffic in the basin of the Mediterranean Sea. The port district has an area of 440 hectares and deep-water facilities, so it is capable of accommodating large vessels.
2. Port of Genoa (ITGOA)
- Total cargo in 2023 in tonnes: 63.7 m
- Key commodities: steel, petroleum, food products, consumer goods
- Website: portsofgenoa.com/en
The Port of Genoa is located in Northwestern Italy, in the Mediterranean Sea. It includes four port basins: Genoa, Pra’, Savona, and Vado Ligure ports. It is one of the largest seaports in Italy with extensive infrastructure and connectivity. It covers 700 ha and handles container traffic, Ro-Ro cargo, liquid bulk, and solid bulk, while being connected to over 450 ports worldwide.
The biggest Italy seaport, the Port of Trieste (ITTRS)
- Total cargo in 2023 in tonnes: 55.6 m
- Key commodities: oil, cars, coffee, machinery
- Website: trieste-marine-terminal.com/en
The Port of Trieste is a medium-sized port located in Northeastern Italy, in the Adriatic Sea. It is conveniently positioned near Central Europe; therefore, it is a critical gateway for trade between Italy and countries such as Austria, Germany, and Hungary.
Check other posts about the biggest ports all over the world.
