Today the port is an important Gateway to the world. One of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea, Headquarter to many shipping lines, it serves the oil & gas trade, the bulk trade and offers may departures for regular liner services in container ships, RO/RO ships and heavy lift vessels worldwide. Privatized in 1993 it has constantly increased it's efficiency and represents an important backbone for the city of Genoa, where many people today are engaged in port related activities, such as ship's chartering, insurance coverage, surveys, legal advice all related to the maritime trade and more in general in trade.