Construction of the new Torre Piloti – a modern control tower – has been completed at the Port of Genoa. It will serve as a key element in managing maritime traffic at one of Italy’s largest ports.
The new Torre Piloti – the “pilots’ tower” – has become a symbol of rebirth following the tragedy that occurred in 2013.
The Genoa Port tragedy
At 11:05 p.m. on May 7, 2013, the container ship Jolly Nero, while manoeuvring out of the Port of Genoa, collided with the old control tower. The impact caused the structure to collapse, claiming the lives of nine people.
The investigation revealed that the vessel’s navigation systems were faulty, and its speed was excessive for a safe manoeuvre. A separate inquiry focused on the hazardous location of the old control tower, which failed to meet modern safety standards.
The tragedy became a catalyst for the creation of the new, safer and technologically advanced Torre Piloti.
Architectural excellence and technical safety of the new tower
The new control tower, completed in 2025, has become not only a functional facility but also an architectural symbol of modern Genoa. The project was designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano.
The steel frame of the tower was manufactured at Cimolai’s production facilities using thick-plate steel from Metinvest Trametal. The frame segments were delivered to Genoa by land, then transported by sea to the construction site, where each segment was lifted and assembled with maximum precision.
The new control tower stands 65 metres tall, or 95 metres including the antenna. Its structure — a lightweight steel frame supported by cables — ensures resistance to wind, seismic activity and other natural forces. The tower’s canopy shades the control cabin and evokes the image of a sailor gazing into the horizon.
In addition to the main tower, the complex includes office spaces and residential units for port workers, as well as solar panels that supply over 60% of the building’s annual energy consumption.
The new Torre Piloti is located in a different part of the port, allowing for better control of both port entrances. The design includes two elevators and an emergency staircase, providing quick access to the control cabin and enabling evacuation in case of an emergency. New berths were also built and existing ones reinforced to ensure maximum protection against vessel collisions.
"Our contribution of 110 tonnes of steel for the Torre Piloti is a source of great pride for Metinvest Trametal. This project is not only a symbol of Genoa’s resilience and maritime heritage, but also proof that our long-standing partner Cimolai relies on us when quality, reliability and precision matter,” said Stefano Mantovani, Sales Director for the Italian market.
International recognition
The new Torre Piloti has already earned international recognition: It has been shortlisted for the IABSE Awards 2025 in the category "Small Projects and Small Structures". It confirms the structure’s high engineering quality, architectural elegance and innovation, underpinned by steel produced by Metinvest Group.