A European-wide tender has been announced for the management of Lavagna Marina in Liguria, Italy. The tender is expected to determine the future operations of one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean.
According to the official website of the current operator, Porto di Lavagna SpA, the marina has been in operation since 1974 and is the largest in the Gulf of Tigullio. It hosts over 1,500 berths for vessels ranging from eight to 55 metres and reports near-full occupancy year-round. The facility is a focal point for private boat owners, regional tourism and local maritime activity.
Other infrastructure at the facility includes docks equipped for maintenance, as well as hauling and launching services. Onshore, the marina offers a variety of commercial amenities, including restaurants, bars, gyms, marine boutiques, nautical brokers, chandlers, diving centres, bunkering agencies, a fuel station, supermarkets and dry-docking areas.
Lavagna Marina has played a key role in the local economy, with its management becoming a point of both political and administrative debate. The Mangiante administration supports private-sector management to benefit the municipality, while the opposition, led by Claudio Lapetina, has advocated for in-house control.
Having cleared some legal hurdles, the municipality is proceeding with a selection process that invites improved proposals, particularly building on the plan put forward by the F2i investment network. F2i, which includes Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, had submitted a project involving upgrades and modernisation of the port facilities, valued at approximately €80 million.
Mayor Mangiante has established three core conditions for awarding the concession. Firstly, the incoming operator must shoulder the current operator’s outstanding debt of around €12 million to the Municipality of Lavagna. Secondly, urban redevelopment is required, and plans must include enhanced public spaces such as green areas, family-oriented facilities and improved access points linking the marina with the city. Thirdly, the municipality expects a share of income-generating berths to ensure stable revenue amid ongoing financial constraints.
The current financial situation of the municipality prevents it from directly managing the port. As a result, a concession model was chosen to balance budgetary concerns while meeting urban and economic goals.
The tender is now open for bids from eligible European operators. Submissions will be assessed based on their ability to meet financial, urban planning and revenue criteria, as the city of Lavagna seeks to reshape the role of its marina within the wider Ligurian region.
