Italian Port Days 2026: national programme launches to connect ports

Italian Port Days 2026: national programme launches

The Italian Port Days 2026 programme, promoted by the Italian Port System Authorities (AdSP), has officially started. The nationwide initiative, timed with the National Sea Day and the European Maritime Day, aims to strengthen dialogue between ports and cities and to showcase the strategic role of ports as economic, social and cultural hubs.

The 2026 theme, "Italy Gateway to the Mediterranean: Dialogues between Harbours and Cities", highlights ports' function beyond logistics—acting as spaces of integration for communities, businesses and territories.

• Activities for schools and young people;
• Meetings with companies, operators and stakeholders;
• Guided tours and special port openings;
• Cultural, educational and sporting events;
• Discussions on sustainability, innovation and employment.

Notable events include participatory formats such as De Portibus in Ravenna (21-23 May) and programmes linked to the European Maritime Day. The calendar is organised into a spring session culminating in May and an autumn session from September to October.

"Italian ports are not closed spaces but open places connected to communities," organisers said, underlining the ports' role in the energy transition, sustainability and local economic development.

The Italian Port Days aim to act as a platform for dialogue and participation, bringing citizens closer to port realities and promoting maritime culture through innovative and shared initiatives.