TCR Ravenna, a strategic gateway for maritime transport in the Adriatic Sea

“Terminal Container Ravenna is a strategic container gateway in the Adriatic Sea for key East Med trades - Alessandro Battolini Sales and Business Development Manager at Terminal Container Ravenna Customers said- calling the terminal are offered several weekly maritime connections covering the most important regions in the East Mediterranean, from Türkiye to Egypt, Israel and Cyprus, up to Lebanon. Through the direct link to transhipment hubs, TCR is connected to all destinations worldwide. TCR is directly connected with the important rail hub of Melzo (Milan), allowing for quick and direct access to the areas of central and northern Italy, and Europe (links to/from Austria, Germany, Benelux and Great Britain). TCR is also connected by rail with Segrate (Milan) and Marzaglia (in the Italian ceramic district)”.

What do you think about the quality of the logistics services offered by Italy?
“We can certainly say that in recent years the quality of Italian services has improved for a variety of solutions. The entry of international logistics operators into the national market has also allowed our companies to expand the reference markets; this makes Italy as a logistics platform for the entire European market. The efficiency of Italian ports that in the last 3 years have proven to be reliable and resilient to change, the investments that are being made on infrastructures (i.e. the Ten-T rail networks) are consolidating the Italian logistics system as a hub for the distribution of goods to continental Europe”.

What investments have you made or planned?
“Our investment plan, which began a few years ago, has entailed the change of platform equipment (4 STS up to 18 rows) and yard (3 new RMGs), the enhancement of services to goods (refrigerated and chemical) and the construction of facilities to comply with quality and inspection controls. It is also important to remember the public investments allocated to the strengthening of port infrastructures: deepening of the seabed of the port up to 14.5 meters, investments in the railway network, construction of a new quay of over 1,000 meters available to the new container terminal and simplified logistics zone. These conditions will bring commercial benefits for all the merchandise processed in our port. The need to attract ships with greater tonnage is ever important; as TCR we look with great interest at the construction of the new container terminal, a key element of the infrastructural works, which will allow us to welcome larger ships and offer better opportunities to Italian and European companies”.

How much does vocational training affect your industry today?
“The world of logistics and shipping in general is a constantly evolving sector and training is an indispensable tool to keep your skills updated and to grow professionally. ‘Training’ and ‘learning’ were concepts related above all to the school and academic environment, but the push of the digital age has convinced companies to invest continuously in people and to enhance their skills. Continuous professional training in the company has therefore become increasingly necessary; growing intellectually and personally helps to achieve goals, improve one's quality of life and feel an important part in a work team with positive repercussions on ourselves, colleagues and stakeholders with whom we interact”.

In your opinion, which countries will increase trade with Italy in the near future?
“The world economic geography, as often happens, changes physiognomy over time due to global events, so we believe that there will be a change in trade exchanges. Africa and the Indian Sub Continent will probably be the fastest growing geographical areas, however, relations with strong economies will always remain central (US – China). As far as we are concerned, we see a consolidation of trade with the Mediterranean area, the effects of near shoring will have an impact on the trade relations of Intramed countries towards Italy and Europe and ports equipped with efficient logistics and intermodal proposals will benefit from this. We would like to emphasize that the strength of Ravenna is its backhaul, rich in areas and warehouses suitable to offer 360-degree solutions for the transformation, packaging and distribution of goods”.