Genova seeks legel assistance

Regulations put in place by the former president have resulted in extensive legal action being taken not just by large concessionaires, but also by hundreds of smaller companies.

Meanwhile, the Italian Port Association (Assoporti) says it is alarmed at the possibility that the ports maintenance fund agreed as part of the 2007 government budget may well be cut by around 80% in 2008 and 2009 and by more than 50% in 2010.

The president of Assoporti said that this could undermine security and efficiency in many of the countries main maritime facilities as well as reducing the operational capacity in others.