La Spezia: Italy’s historic naval port and gateway to the stunning Ligurian coast and Cinque Terre.
La Spezia is a major port city in northern Italy, located on the Ligurian Sea near the border with Tuscany. It is the second-largest city in Liguria and ranks among Italy’s top container ports by throughput. Strategically positioned between northern and central Italy, La Spezia serves as a key gateway for trade to and from central Europe. The port handles over 1.4 million TEUs annually, making it one of the busiest container ports in the country and an important hub for Mediterranean maritime logistics.
La Spezia’s main facilities include the LSCT container terminal with a 986-meter quay, 15-meter water depth, and a 28,000 TEU yard. Key terminals handle containers, cruise ships (Molo Garibaldi), and general cargo. The port features advanced equipment such as ship-to-shore cranes, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and a 10 MW shore power system for emissions reduction. Extensive rail and road links support efficient intermodal cargo movement.
La Spezia Container Terminal (LSCT) is a major Mediterranean gateway for container traffic, serving central and northern Italy and international markets. It features 11 ship-to-shore cranes and can currently handle two ultra-large container vessels (14,000–16,000 TEU) simultaneously, with expansion plans to accommodate four 20,000 TEU ships. The terminal has a capacity of approximately 1 million TEU annually. Over 35% of cargo moves by rail, reflecting strong intermodal connectivity. Automation is moderate, with ongoing investments in technology and infrastructure. The main operator is Contship Italia Group.
La Spezia offers the following main services:
La Spezia, Italy, is a significant maritime hub, serving as a major cargo port and a popular cruise stop. It connects to various regions, including the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre. Shipping routes from La Spezia link to major markets in the Mediterranean, facilitating trade with key European and international ports. The port's strategic location between Genoa and Pisa enhances its connectivity across Italy and beyond.
Port of La Spezia – Key Statistics (2025)
La Spezia is a leading Italian gateway for central and northern Italy, with over 35% of its container throughput handled by rail.
