A century of history, professionalism and operations in service of the port and the city: on 4 April 2025, Ente Bacini celebrated its first hundred years, looking ahead with confidence, backed by strong economic results, investments in sustainability and a clear message to institutions: it needs certainty about the renewal of its concession, which is due to expire at the end of the year, as well as new space to accommodate the ships of tomorrow. On its centenary, the organisation held a conference in the Ligurian capital to reflect on the ongoing transformation of the ship repair sector, in which Ente Bacini has played a leading role since 1925, operating in the historic area of Molo Giano.
Founded a century ago, the company is controlled by the Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ligure Occidentale (Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority) and partially owned by businesses in the sector. Today it plays a central role in establishing Genoa as one of the key ports in the Mediterranean. “Ente Bacini is now recognised as a centre of excellence for refitting and repairing all types of vessels,” said chairwoman Daniela Boccadoro Ameri. “Since 2021, we have closed our accounts with a profit, reinvesting everything in maintenance, technological innovation and sustainability.”
Around 14 million euros have been allocated in recent years to reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities and improving the quality of the port’s environment. However, this alone is no longer enough. “To keep growing, we need new space, suitable for hosting larger ships, and that means a new port development plan is essential.”
The authority already has major modernisation works in the design phase. The Port Authority has earmarked 30 million euros for the renovation of dry docks 4 and 5 and the construction of a new quay. Ente Bacini has taken responsibility for the design and preliminary surveys. But as chairwoman Ameri pointed out, the uncertainty surrounding the concession’s expiry at the end of 2025 risks jeopardising operational continuity. “It is crucial to renew it as soon as possible to allow for effective planning over the coming years, especially since the docks will not be fully operational during the works.”
The centenary also provided an opportunity to present the book “Ente Bacini 1925–2025 – The First Hundred Years in Service of the Port of Genoa”, curated by architect Guido Rosato and published by Tormena. The volume retraces the history of the dry docks, from the origins of the Marina of Sarzano to the great nineteenth-century transformations of the port, and up to the present day. Rich in technical insights and photographs, the book was made possible through collaboration with the Superintendent’s Office and the enhancement of numerous historical archives. “A project that took two years, the result of patient and passionate work, demonstrating how even a monumental asset can remain fully functional by combining preservation with industrial operations,” commented Alessandro Terrile, chief executive officer of Ente Bacini.
