Maritime traffic in Italy has gained significant momentum, particularly in the transport of passengers. The Italian National Institute of Statistics has now released the final figures for 2024. Comprehensive traffic statistics of this kind are published with a time lag, as all port and movement data must first be fully evaluated. The analysis shows: while freight transport by sea remained largely stable, passenger traffic via ferries and passenger ships increased noticeably compared to the previous year. Italy thus maintains its leading position in the European comparison.
Significantly more people traveling by ship
In 2024, Italian ports recorded roughly twelve percent more passengers than in the previous year. Traffic was particularly strong on the classic ferry routes between the mainland and the islands, as well as on short regional connections along the coastlines. In the EU comparison, Italy continues to rank first in maritime passenger volume. A large share of all passengers traveling by ship within the European Union are handled through Italian ports. In particular, southern Italian locations with dense short-haul connections achieve very high numbers. This trend underscores the important role of maritime transport in Italy's mobility mix, not only in tourism but also in everyday travel between regions and islands.
Maritime freight transport remains stable
Unlike the passenger segment, maritime freight transport in 2024 showed virtually no change. Total cargo volumes remained at roughly the same level as the previous year. Italy thus continues to hold a strong position in the European ranking, placing among the top EU countries for sea freight traffic. Trieste and Genoa are among the country's most important freight ports. Both serve as central hubs for containers, energy imports, and industrial supply chains and have consolidated their significance in the European context.
Maritime traffic: more port calls, denser schedules
Also noteworthy is the development in ship movements: the number of individual vessels declined slightly, while the total number of port callsincreased. This points to more frequent turnarounds and tighter schedules, particularly in ferry and regional services. Overall, the official figures make one thing clear: passenger traffic by sea is growing significantly, while freight transport remains constant. Ferries and passenger ships thus remain a key pillar of Italy's transport infrastructure.