Fresh produce from the Metaponto area, Taranto province, Salento region and other areas between Basilicata and Puglia will soon be handled via a new intermodal logistics network. FreshPlaza discussed it with Sergio Prete, president of the Taranto Port Authority.
"The intermodal logistics network currently under construction will involve three steps. The first is the opening of the container terminal at the Taranto port between late June and early July. The concession agreement (lasting 49 years) in favor of Turkish company Yilport will be signed over the next few days and will enable the restarting of activities focusing in particular on the promotion of local imports and exports. The objective is to shorten the distance between the various EU and extra-EU countries. We count on the support of the operator managing the terminal, as it already has a network of 22 ports on a global level and will therefore guarantee important outlets to the goods."
"Then we have the new Zes jonica (special economic area) which, in addition to linking the port with the entire Taranto province, will also include Basilicata, the region where agriculture and food production have the highest potential for growth."
"As regards the third step, it is that of the so-called integrated logistics areas, i.e. the plan the Ministry is developing together with regions in the south to rationalize the interventions for which to apply for Community financing."
"In addition to all of this, a system must be put in place between the port and other logistics and transport infrastructures. In such a fundamental time for the agricultural sector in southern Italy, the network could be very important. It is however evident that interventions when it comes to production and commercial are also needed."
"These infrastructures and the various services offered by the port of Taranto are essential, but all subjects along the chain must do their part by setting up groups and consortia in order to meet market demands."
"In the fall, the 200,000 sq m logistics platform will also become operative. It also features a controlled-temperature warehouse covering around 5,000 sq m with 5 additional independent units with temperatures between 0 and -28°C (four 600 sq m units and one 1,000 sq m unit). The platform also has a railway siding, which means it will be possible to access the platform by sea, railway and road."
"The possibility of transporting goods by sea will definitely reduce transport costs, as operators must now reach other ports at a greater expense."
Contacts:
Autorità di Sistema Portuale del Mar Ionio - Porto di Taranto
Porto Commerciale - Molo San Cataldo
74123 – Taranto (TA)
Tel.: (+39) 099.4711611
Email: segreteria@port.taranto.it
Website: port.taranto.it