The Vado Gateway in northern Italy has witnessed a remarkable surge in vehicle import volumes, marking a staggering 284 per cent year-on-year increase in 2023.
This trend has continued into 2024, indicating a profitable trajectory for RoRo customers, reported According to APM Terminals (APMT).
According to Santi Casciano, CEO of Vado Gateway and Reefer Terminal, the automobile market is gradually recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic. One noticeable trend is the increase of electric vehicles (EVs) imports from Asia to Europe.
Nevertheless, due to the recent drop in demand for EVs, many RoRo facilities in Europe are congested. Casciano believes that this presents an opportunity to reorient the focus on the EV market.
READ: New vessel service connects Port of Vado Ligure with US ports
The terminal features a RoRo quay measuring 460 metres in length. It also has an off-dock rail facility with four lanes that stretch over 450 metres, and container terminal drafts that can easily accommodate large vessels.
Thanks to this infrastructure, the terminal has been able to take advantage of the market opportunity, according to APMT.
Additionally, plans are in place to further improve the capacity of the rail facility with a track extension project that is expected to be completed by 2026.
READ: APMT Gijon welcomes largest containership in port’s history
“Our infrastructure, and experience accrued over the year means that the Vado Gateway port system has all the technical features and skills necessary to serve this market with the highest standards and is a candidate to become one of the main Mediterranean gateways for automotive logistics,” Casciano said.
“Our well-connected rail network can also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and overall improving the environmental sustainability of the entire supply chain.”
The rail network at Vado Gateway aligns with sustainability goals, contributing to the reduction of CO2 emissions and enhancing the environmental sustainability of the supply chain.
Earlier this month, Rijeka Gateway, a joint venture between APMT and ENNA Logic, announced plans to install more than 60 electric container handling equipment.
