Italian Port Authority Dispute Escalates Over Concession Control
A growing conflict between Italian port system authorities (AdSP) and the Transport Regulation Authority (ART) centers on control over port concessions, revealing a power struggle within the nation’s maritime infrastructure. The dispute, highlighted by a recent letter from Assoporti, the association of port authorities, to ART, underscores the significant leverage held by control over concession criteria.
Assoporti Challenges ART’s Authority
Assoporti’s letter, also sent for information to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, objects to a request from ART to follow up on resolution 242/2025, adopted in December 2025. This resolution requires port authorities to submit detailed data on each terminal concessionaire – including concession details, fee determination methods and financial economic plans – by the end of March 2026.
Assoporti argues that this request overlaps with existing regulations and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport between 2022 and 2023, and would grant ART sole oversight of concession regularity, currently shared among at least 16 bodies. The association has announced its refusal to comply, requesting ART to “delay the execution of the resolution.”
Legal Arguments and Concerns
Roberto Petri, president of Assoporti, outlined several legal arguments supporting their position. He noted that resolution 242/2025 is currently being challenged by some AdSPs and Assoporti itself, suggesting a demand to await a first instance decision. The deadline of March 31, 2026, is considered insufficient given the volume of data required.
Assoporti also points to an “uncertain and contradictory” regulatory framework, citing ART’s recent proceedings to establish concession duration criteria. They claim this proceeding demonstrates the current ineffectiveness of ART, as AdSPs lack clear guidance on duration when assigning concessions.
Potential Disruptions to Concession Procedures
Petri warned that ART’s actions could paralyze ongoing concession procedures, exposing AdSPs to legal challenges and costly compensation claims from economic operators. He emphasized the potential for appeals against silence and breach of trust claims.
ART Responds
The Transport Authority informed SHIPPING ITALY that a response to Assoporti’s letter is currently under examination.
Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport Role
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is reportedly “silently assisting” as the dispute unfolds, according to the report, but has not publicly commented on the matter. As of December 4, 2025, the Council of Ministers was reviewing a bill delegating authority to the government for the adoption of a building and construction code. On December 22, 2025, another bill was under consideration regarding the reorganization of port governance and investment in strategic maritime transport infrastructure. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
Antonio Iannone currently serves as Undersecretary of State to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport