Genoa port shipping is the main sea gateway for cargo going to Milan, Turin and the rest of northern Italy. The port is run by the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority, handled 1.2 million TEU in the first half of 2026, and clears cargo through the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency (ADM). This guide covers the terminals, breakbulk and dangerous goods rules, customs, and how we move your cargo from Dubai to Genoa. We ship both ways: from Dubai to Genoa, and from Genoa to Dubai with clearance on arrival in the UAE.
Genoa port guide: key facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Port authority | Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority (also runs Savona and Vado Ligure) |
| Customs authority | Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) |
| UN/LOCODE | ITGOA |
| Main cargo basins | Sampierdarena (old port) and Pra' (west) |
| Containers, January to June 2026 | 1,199,993 TEU |
| Total cargo, January to June 2026 | 23.3 million tonnes |
| Ship calls, January to June 2026 | 5,853 |
| Largest container terminal | PSA Genova Pra': 1,675 m quay, 15 m depth, ships up to 24,000 TEU |
| Liner network (Genoa and Savona-Vado ports) | Over 160 regular services to over 450 ports |
| Road distance to Milan / Turin | 145 km / 170 km |
| Rail | About 100 weekly direct rail services from the Genoa and Savona-Vado ports |
| Cargo types | Containers (dry and reefer), breakbulk, project and heavy-lift, Ro-Ro, steel and metals, dry bulk, liquid bulk |
| Import VAT in Italy | 22% standard rate |
| Genoa to Dubai (import) | Electronic export declaration in AIDA by the exporter or its agent; Dubai Customs declaration, 5% duty on CIF for most goods, 5% import VAT |
Where is the Port of Genoa and how is it organised?
Genoa sits in a sheltered bay on the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy. Cargo is worked in two main areas. The Sampierdarena basin, in the old port, holds PSA SECH, Bettolo, Spinelli, IMT and the bulk and metals terminals. Pra', built on reclaimed land to the west, holds the large PSA Genova Pra' container terminal.
The same port authority runs Savona and Vado Ligure further west. Together the group handles about one third of Italian gateway container traffic. When you see "Ports of Genoa" on a document, it can mean the whole group, so check the terminal on your booking.
Genoa is a gateway, not a hub. Of the 1.2 million TEU handled in the first half of 2026, 1,121,710 TEU moved to or from the hinterland and only 78,283 TEU were transshipped. Most boxes leave the port by truck or train.
Port of Genoa traffic, January to June 2026
| Cargo | 2025 (Jan to Jun) | 2026 (Jan to Jun) |
|---|---|---|
| Containers (TEU) | 1,218,276 | 1,199,993 |
| Full hinterland containers (TEU) | 870,277 | 900,166 |
| Containerised cargo (tonnes) | 11,606,193 | 11,575,167 |
| Ro-Ro cargo, excluding containers (tonnes) | 4,327,803 | 4,730,735 |
| Liquid bulk (tonnes) | 6,444,921 | 6,050,386 |
| Dry bulk (tonnes) | 1,003,461 | 675,284 |
| Total throughput (tonnes) | 23,671,381 | 23,280,902 |
Which terminals does the Port of Genoa have?
Your carrier's service decides the terminal. Check it on the booking and the arrival notice before you book a truck or train.
Container and multipurpose terminals
| Terminal | Quay | Depth | Main use | Rail on terminal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSA Genova Pra' | 1,675 m, 4 berths | 15 m | Deep-sea containers, reefers (978 plugs), breakbulk | 8 tracks of 1,200 m |
| PSA SECH (Sampierdarena) | 526 m, 2 berths | 14.50 m | Containers up to 14,000 TEU ships, reefers, breakbulk to 60 t | Yes, 2 rail RMGs |
| Bettolo, Genoa Mediterranean Gateway | 450 m | 16 m | Mainly MSC container ships, also breakbulk | 7 tracks of 500 m |
| Genoa Port Terminal (Spinelli) | 1,330 m, 4 berths, 3 Ro-Ro ramps | 14 m | Containers, trailers, project cargo lashing | 2 tracks of 400 m |
| Intermodal Marine Terminal (IMT, Messina Group) | 1,350 m, 5 to 6 berths | 13 m | Multipurpose: containers, Ro-Ro, machinery, project cargo | 5 lines |
PSA Genova Pra' covers 116 hectares and has 12 quay cranes. It runs its own rail services to Basel three times a week and to Stuttgart twice a week. In 2023 Hapag-Lloyd took a 49% stake in the Spinelli Group, which runs Genoa Port Terminal.
Which shipping lines call at Genoa?
Port listings name MSC, CMA CGM, Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, COSCO, OOCL and ONE among the lines serving Genoa, and Messina Line runs its own services from the IMT terminal. Bettolo works mainly MSC ships. Line rotations change, so the terminal on your booking is the one that counts.
Breakbulk, metals and bulk terminals
| Terminal | Cargo | Key figures |
|---|---|---|
| C. Steinweg-GMT | Steel, non-ferrous metals, ferro-alloys, scrap | 700 m quay, 79,318 sqm, 30,000 sqm warehouse, LME-licensed warehouse |
| Terminal Rinfuse Genova | Dry bulk, steel products, project cargo | About 930 m of berths, depth up to 11.58 m |
| Silomar | Liquid chemicals, vegetable oils, mineral oils | 79 tanks, 79,300 cubic metres |
What cargo can you ship through Genoa port?
| Cargo type | Where it usually goes | What to plan |
|---|---|---|
| General goods in containers | Pra', SECH, Bettolo or Spinelli, by carrier | Terminal on the booking, free time, truck or rail slot |
| Chilled and frozen food | Reefer plugs at Pra' and SECH | Set temperature, health certificates, border control post check |
| Machinery and oversized pieces | Pra', SECH, IMT or Spinelli | Lifting weight, heavy-lift gate, road permits |
| Steel and metals | Steinweg-GMT, Terminal Rinfuse | Coil handling, covered storage, CBAM status of the importer |
| Trailers and rolling cargo | Spinelli and IMT Ro-Ro berths | Ro-Ro booking, vehicle documents |
| Dangerous goods in containers | Terminals with DG areas | Port authority approval for any stop in the port |
| Liquid chemicals in bulk | Silomar and other liquid terminals | Discharge plan, tank booking |
FCL and LCL shipping to Genoa
- FCL (full container load). You book a whole 20ft or 40ft box. It suits larger shipments and goods you want sealed from Dubai to the consignee.
- LCL (less than container load). Your cargo shares a box and is unpacked at a container freight station after arrival. Release also depends on the other shippers' paperwork.
Reefer cargo has strong support at Genoa. PSA Genova Pra' has 978 reefer plugs, PSA SECH has space for 658 reefer TEU, and Spinelli and Bettolo add 290 and 240 plugs. Tell us the set temperature and ventilation at booking. Our guide to FCL vs LCL costs shows where the break-even sits, and our sea freight service page explains what we book from Dubai.
Breakbulk, heavy-lift and project cargo at Genoa
Genoa can take heavy pieces at more than one terminal. PSA Genova Pra' works breakbulk with 62-tonne gantry cranes and has two gate lanes for non-containerised and heavy-lift cargo. PSA SECH handles pieces up to 60 tonnes and up to 100 tonnes with an external crane. Bettolo has three mobile harbour cranes rated at 100 tonnes, and IMT has spreaders for out-of-gauge boxes.
When you ship project cargo from Dubai to Genoa with us, we plan it in this order:
- Collect drawings, dimensions, weights and centre of gravity for each piece.
- Choose the vessel type: flat rack or open top on a container service, or breakbulk or heavy-lift tonnage.
- Agree lifting, lashing and securing with the carrier and the Genoa terminal.
- Line up the consignee's haulier for the road move. The port authority issues permits for heavy and oversize vehicles inside the port.
- Prepare customs so the piece can leave the quay quickly.
A useful rule: if a piece fits a 40ft flat rack by size and weight, a container service gives you more sailings. Our guide to flat rack, open top and breakbulk cargo explains the options, and our break bulk and project cargo service covers what we arrange.
Dangerous goods at Genoa port
Genoa has set rules for dangerous goods on top of the IMDG Code. The port authority's Traffic and Dangerous Goods Office runs applications through the SEA-GATE portal, and users must request access before they can file.
- A temporary stop of dangerous goods in Genoa or Pra' needs port authority authorisation, under Order no. 4 of 22 May 2001 and Legislative Decree 272/99.
- Only five terminals are listed for DG parking: PSA Genova Pra', PSA SECH, IMT-Messina, Spinelli and Terminal San Giorgio.
- Terminals have set DG areas: 2,004 TEU at PSA Genova Pra', 549 TEU at PSA SECH, and a 900 TEU maximum at IMT.
What you need to provide for any DG booking:
- A correct UN number, proper shipping name, class and packing group.
- A safety data sheet for each product.
- A Dangerous Goods Declaration signed by a trained person.
- UN-approved packaging, marks, labels and container placards.
Our dangerous goods shipping team checks the paperwork and gets carrier acceptance before you commit to a sailing.
Customs clearance at Genoa: documents, duty and VAT
ADM clears cargo at Genoa under EU customs law. Its AIDA system is linked to the port's Port Community System. In October 2026 ADM and the port authority launched Port Tracking I-Road at Pra', which tracks trucks and cargo in real time and lets customs target inspections.
How clearance works at Genoa
- The carrier files the EU ICS2 entry summary declaration. For containers it is due at least 24 hours before loading at Jebel Ali.
- On arrival the goods sit in temporary storage under customs control, for no longer than 90 days.
- The declarant lodges the import declaration with the documents below.
- ADM picks controls by risk: automatic release, document check, physical inspection or scan.
- Duty and import VAT are paid and the goods are released.
Who can clear goods at Genoa?
Every importer needs an EORI number. An importer not established in the EU can only clear through an EU-established customs representative acting in indirect representation, under ADM circular 40 of December 2021. In most cases the Italian buyer acts as importer and appoints the customs broker.
Which documents do you need?
| Cargo type | Core documents | Usually also needed |
|---|---|---|
| General cargo | Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, import declaration | Certificate of origin, importer's EORI |
| Food and feed | Core set | Health or phytosanitary certificates, border control post check |
| Machinery and electrical goods | Core set | CE marking and technical file held by the importer |
| Steel and aluminium | Core set | CBAM authorised declarant status above 50 tonnes a year |
| Dangerous goods | Core set | DG declaration, safety data sheet, port authority approval |
Food checks happen at the Calata Sanita border control post inside the PSA SECH terminal. In October 2026 its authorisation was extended to ambient food and feed of non-animal origin, and in May 2026 the port authority approved a new cold-storage cell there for frozen goods.
Duty and import VAT
Duty comes from the EU Common Customs Tariff. Look up your 10-digit TARIC code to see the rate and any licence or anti-dumping duty. There is no EU-UAE trade agreement in force yet, so UAE-origin goods pay the standard third-country rate. Duty is charged on the customs value, which includes freight and insurance up to the EU port.
Import VAT in Italy is 22%, with reduced rates of 10%, 5% and 4% for some goods. It is charged on the customs value plus duty and transport costs to the first destination in the EU.
How to ship from Dubai to Genoa port: step by step
This is how we handle a typical shipment from Dubai to Genoa. We book space, prepare documents and arrange UAE trucking and export. A customs representative in Italy, appointed by the consignee, clears the goods.
- Tell us about the cargo. Commodity, TARIC code, weight, volume or dimensions, and the Incoterm agreed with your buyer.
- Confirm the importer. EORI number, customs representative, and CBAM status for steel or aluminium.
- Get a quote and pick the service. We compare carrier services from Jebel Ali to Genoa and confirm which terminal each uses.
- Book space. DG, reefer and out-of-gauge cargo need carrier acceptance first.
- Send shipping instructions early. A full goods description and real buyer and seller details reach the carrier before its ICS2 cut-off.
- Stuff, seal and export. We arrange pickup, stuffing, the UAE export declaration and gate-in at Jebel Ali. Our Jebel Ali port shipping guide covers this end.
- Pre-lodge in Italy. The consignee's customs representative prepares the import declaration before arrival.
- Clear and deliver. Duty and VAT are paid, the goods leave Genoa by truck or train, and the empty goes back within free time.
How long does shipping from Dubai to Genoa take?
| Lane | Published indication | Source type |
|---|---|---|
| Jebel Ali to Genoa, one transshipment | About 23 days, departures every 2 to 4 weeks on the quickest listed service | Schedule data compiled by Fluent Cargo |
| Jebel Ali to Genoa, FCL | About 27 days | Shipa Freight lane guide |
[AMIR-FACT: the carriers or services we actually book from Jebel Ali to Genoa, which Genoa terminal each uses (Pra', SECH, Bettolo, Spinelli) and our typical port-to-port days]
How to ship from Genoa port to Dubai
We also handle the other direction: shipping from Genoa to Dubai, with arrival at Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port or Sharjah port. We book the space with the carrier and run the UAE side. The Italian export papers stay with the shipper or its Italian agent.
The Italy export side
- EORI. The exporter needs an EORI number, which is mandatory for every customs operation in the EU, exports included.
- Declaration. The exporter or its customs representative lodges the export declaration electronically in ADM's AIDA system, at the export customs office responsible for the exporter's premises or the place where the goods are packed or loaded.
- MRN. ADM accepts the declaration, runs its risk analysis and gives it a Movement Reference Number (MRN).
- Exit. The goods and the export accompanying document are presented at the customs office of exit, which checks them and confirms the physical exit. The "exit completed" message is the proof that the goods left the EU, and the MRN can be tracked on the ADM website.
- Restrictions. Goods under prohibitions or restrictions, such as items that need an export licence, cannot use a simplified oral declaration and need the full electronic one.
The UAE import side
On arrival, the declaration goes to Dubai Customs with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and any permit for restricted goods. The importer needs a Dubai Customs business code, or a licensed clearing agent with the owner's authorisation files for it. Customs duty in Dubai is 5% of the CIF value for most goods, with 50% on alcohol and 100% on cigarettes. Import VAT is 5%, charged on the customs value including freight and insurance. A VAT-registered importer that has linked its customs registration number with the Federal Tax Authority accounts for it on its VAT return instead of paying at the border.
- Send us the shipper's details in Italy, the cargo, the HS code and the UAE delivery address.
- We book space from Genoa, confirm the terminal (Pra', SECH, Bettolo or Spinelli) and send the booking and cut-off to the shipper.
- The shipper or its haulier delivers the box to the terminal by truck or rail before the cut-off.
- The shipper or its Italian customs representative files the export declaration in AIDA and passes us the MRN.
- We check the draft bill of lading against the invoice and the certificate of origin.
- We file the UAE declaration before the vessel arrives.
- We arrange payment of the duty and VAT and collect the delivery order.
- We truck the cargo to your site in the UAE.
- We return the empty container inside the carrier's free time.
[AMIR-FACT: the carriers we actually use from Genoa to Jebel Ali/Khalifa/Sharjah and our real transit days in this direction]
Moving cargo inland from Genoa
Most of northern Italy's industry sits within 300 km of the port. Milan is 145 km away, Turin 170 km, Parma 200 km and Verona 280 km.
- Road. PSA Genova Pra' has a direct motorway link to the A26 and A6 for Milan and Turin and the A10 along the coast.
- Rail. The Genoa and Savona-Vado ports offer about 100 weekly direct rail services to inland terminals. IMT runs block trains to Milan, Brescia, Vicenza and Dinazzano.
- Dry ports. The Simplified Logistics Zone "Port and Dryport of Genoa" links the port with inland sites such as Rivalta Scrivia, Milano Smistamento and Melzo, and allows a customs free zone with simplified procedures.
For urgent parts, Genoa's airport is 6 km from the port and has a cargo terminal with a 2,200 sqm warehouse, but direct flights from Dubai go to Milan Malpensa.
Checklist before you ship to Genoa
- TARIC code confirmed for every item.
- Importer named, with an EORI number and a customs representative.
- Invoice, packing list and bill of lading show the same weights, piece counts and parties.
- Precise goods description ready for the ICS2 filing before loading at Jebel Ali.
- Terminal confirmed on the booking (Pra', SECH, Bettolo, Spinelli or IMT).
- CE marking, health certificates or CBAM status in place where needed.
- Wood packaging heat treated or fumigated and ISPM 15 stamped.
- For DG: SDS, DG declaration, carrier acceptance and port authority approval for any stop.
- For project cargo: drawings, lifting points and a road permit plan.
- Free time on the container agreed with the carrier.
Common mistakes
- Wrong terminal on the haulier's order. Genoa has several container terminals in two basins, and a truck sent to the wrong one loses the slot.
- Late ICS2 data. If the carrier lacks a full goods description before loading at Jebel Ali, the box can be left behind.
- Assuming a preferential duty rate. No EU-UAE agreement is in force yet.
- A non-EU seller trying to clear in its own name. ADM requires an EU-established indirect representative.
- Treating DG like general cargo. A stop in the port without authorisation breaks port rules.
- Ignoring free time. Every day after free time adds demurrage or detention. Our article on demurrage and detention shows how it builds up.
Genoa or another Italian port?
Italian ports handled about 12.8 million TEU in 2025, according to the Assoporti and SRM Port Infographics 2026 report. Gioia Tauro was first with 4.49 million TEU, all of it transshipment. La Spezia handled 1,217,461 TEU and Savona-Vado 590,350 TEU, up 58.4%. Genoa is the largest gateway, which matters more to an importer than total volume.
| Your situation | Port to compare | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Consignee in Lombardy, Piedmont or Switzerland | Genoa | Shortest road leg and direct rail to inland terminals |
| Consignee in Liguria west or southern Piedmont | Savona or Vado Ligure | Same port authority, west of Genoa; APM Terminals runs Vado Gateway and a reefer terminal |
| Consignee in Emilia-Romagna or Tuscany | La Spezia or Livorno | Can cut the truck leg |
| Consignee in the northeast | Venice or Trieste | Adriatic access |
| Consignee in the south | Naples or Salerno | Closer to Campania |
We can price more than one port so you compare the total cost to the consignee's door.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Genoa port?
The Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority runs the Port of Genoa, as well as Savona and Vado Ligure. Private companies such as PSA, Spinelli, Messina and Steinweg operate the terminals.
What is the port code for Genoa?
The UN/LOCODE for Genoa is ITGOA. You will see it on bookings, bills of lading and tracking systems.
Which is the biggest container terminal in Genoa?
PSA Genova Pra' is the largest. It has a 1,675 m quay, 15 m depth, 12 quay cranes and can take ships of up to 24,000 TEU, and it handles on average 1.5 million TEU a year.
How many containers does Genoa handle?
The Port of Genoa handled 1,199,993 TEU from January to June 2026, slightly below the 1,218,276 TEU of the same period in 2025. Most of it was hinterland cargo, not transshipment.
How long does shipping from Dubai to Genoa take?
Published indications for Jebel Ali to Genoa range from about 23 to 27 days port to port, usually with one transshipment. Check the schedule on your booking.
Can I ship dangerous goods through Genoa?
Yes. Any temporary stop of dangerous goods in Genoa or Pra' needs port authority authorisation, and only five terminals are listed for DG parking. Applications go through the SEA-GATE portal.
What is the import VAT for goods arriving at Genoa?
Italian import VAT is 22% at the standard rate, with reduced rates of 10%, 5% and 4%. It is charged on the customs value plus duty and transport costs to the first destination in the EU.
Can you handle shipping from Genoa to Dubai?
Yes. We book the space with the carrier, the shipper or its Italian customs representative files the export declaration in AIDA, and we clear the cargo through Dubai Customs and deliver it in the UAE. Most goods pay 5% duty on the CIF value plus 5% import VAT.
Can Genoa handle heavy-lift cargo?
Yes. PSA Genova Pra' has 62-tonne gantry cranes and heavy-lift gate lanes, PSA SECH lifts up to 100 tonnes with an external crane, and Bettolo has 100-tonne mobile harbour cranes.
Get a quote for Genoa port shipping
Send us your cargo details and the delivery city in Italy, and we will come back with a routing and price from Dubai to Genoa. Use our freight rate inquiry form, or contact our team to talk through a breakbulk, project or DG shipment first. You can also read more about our Dubai freight forwarding team.
Sources
- Ports of Genoa: Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority
- Ports of Genoa: Port of Genoa traffic, January to June 2026
- Ports of Genoa: Freight port
- Ports of Genoa: Pra' basin
- Ports of Genoa: PSA Genova Pra' terminal
- Ports of Genoa: PSA SECH terminal
- Ports of Genoa: Bettolo, Genoa Mediterranean Gateway
- Ports of Genoa: Gruppo Spinelli, Genoa Port Terminal
- Ports of Genoa: Intermodal Marine Terminal (Messina Group)
- Ports of Genoa: C. Steinweg-GMT
- Ports of Genoa: Terminal Rinfuse Genova
- Ports of Genoa: Silomar
- Ports of Genoa: Handling of dangerous goods
- Ports of Genoa: Road transport
- Ports of Genoa: Rail transport
- Ports of Genoa: Simplified Logistics Zone
- Ports of Genoa: Air transport
- Ports of Genoa: Port Tracking I-Road launched at Pra' (October 2026)
- Ports of Genoa: PSA SECH border control post extended (October 2026)
- European Commission Access2Markets: Customs clearance documents and procedures
- European Commission: EORI number
- ADM: Export procedure (AIDA, MRN, office of exit, exit completed)
- European Commission: What is exportation (AES, oral declarations and restrictions)
- Dubai Customs: Submit customs declaration (documents)
- Dubai Customs: FAQ (5% of CIF, business code, clearing agents)
- UAE Government portal: Customs duty (5% of CIF, alcohol 50%, cigarettes 100%)
- Federal Tax Authority: VAT guide (import VAT at 5%, deferral for registered importers)
- European Commission: TARIC
- European Commission: VAT taxable amount on imports
- Your Europe: VAT rates (Italy)
- Edotto: ADM guidance on non-EU importers and indirect representation
- ADM: Product safety checks at import
- EPA Ireland: CBAM definitive period and 50 tonne threshold
- European Commission: Wood packaging and dunnage (ISPM 15)
- TrasportoEuropa: Italian ports 2025 traffic (Assoporti and SRM Port Infographics 2026)
- Cogoport: Port of Genoa (ITGOA) shipping lines served
- Shipa Freight: UAE to Italy (port code, transit indication)
- Fluent Cargo: Dubai to Genoa schedule data
Reviewed: 10 November 2026