Genoa boarding tax upheld by Liguria court

The Liguria Regional Administrative Court (TAR) has rejected an appeal filed by several shipping companies and operators against the Municipality of Genoa regarding a municipal surcharge on port boarding rights. The ruling confirms the legitimacy of a 3-euro fee per passenger.

The companies involved—including Assarmatori, Assagenti, Grandi Navi Veloci, Moby, and Stazioni Marittime—had challenged the tax, arguing the municipality should have relied on Irpef surcharges instead. However, the court ruled that the boarding tax is a necessary measure to fulfill financial rebalancing commitments made between the municipality and the Italian state. The judges determined that the tax is an autonomous municipal tribute rather than a service fee, meaning it does not require a direct link to specific port services.

Mayor Silvia Salis and Deputy Mayor Alessandro Terrile stated that the decision validates the administration's actions, noting that the measure is essential to secure 25 million euros in state contributions for the city's financial recovery. The implementation and collection methods will be finalized through future agreements between the municipal government and port concessionaires or shipping companies.