Delegation to Italy on Maritime and Port Development

Italy represents one of Europe’s most attractive growth markets for green port and maritime technologies. With 58 major commercial ports governed by 16 Port System Authorities, the country hosts one of the largest and most strategically positioned port infrastructures in Europe.

The sector is now entering a decisive implementation phase, driven by EU regulatory frameworks and significant national investment programmes. Within this framework, Danish best practices (technologies and services) can be key for Italian authorities and Industry clusters.

The strategic cooperation between several Danish companies and Italian partners are well developed and the Italian Authorities and Industry clusters are looking for additional trusted Danish partners, sub suppliers and technologies.  More than EUR 9.2 billion has been allocated to port and logistics development under Italy’s national plans, including over EUR 1,8 billion dedicated to onshore power supply (OPS), port electrification, digitalisation and energy efficiency.  Italian ports such as Taranto, Augusta, Genoa and La Spezia are transforming into energy and logistics hubs, where also alternative fuels (and bunkering) are key to diversify national and local supply.

The Danish Model for Ports is at the core of the delegation narrative. In addition, considering the public-private cooperation necessary to support this transition, Danish companies can contribute in terms of industry expertise. Consequently, the delegation programme is developed and structured around three core strategic pillars:

• Sustainability and Digitalisation: including environmental cost protection frameworks, onshore power supply (OPS/cold ironing), energy efficiency measures, and the deployment of digital twin technologies for real-time port monitoring and planning;
• Bunkering and New Fuels: with investments in LNG bunkering infrastructure, green methanol and ammonia supply chains, hydrogen pilot projects, and shore-side energy systems aligned with FuelEU Maritime and IMO 2050 decarbonisation targets;
• Advanced Logistics, Security, and Critical Infrastructure: Optimising supply chain resilience via automated terminal operations, AI-driven cargo flow management, and smart intermodal connectivity, while simultaneously ensuring the physical and digital protection of essential port assets and infrastructure.

Accordingly, the final agenda will be tailored and adjusted to match the final group of participants.

On this basis, DI and the Danish Embassy in Rome are organising a delegation to Italy, where you will get the opportunity to showcase your solutions and engage with key stakeholders involved in the Italian transition (policymakers, port authorities, project developers, and off-takers).

Preliminary Programme:

The programme is subject to change, and we welcome wishes.