TRIESTE. An Italian-Turkish at the helm of the Italian-German Logistics Platform. The new infrastructure of the port is already a melting pot, of which the managing director Antonio Barbara took over from the 1st March.
You are finally gone.
“The history of the Platform begins and we are very happy with the first mooring of the Ulusoy-14, which consolidates the relationship between Turkey and Italy, as well as the role of Trieste as a gateway to Southern Europe”.
Trieste logistics platform, the arrival of the first ferry
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What does the presence in Trieste mean for Hhla?
«This port is the natural gateway to Central-Eastern Europe for traffic arriving from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Far East via Suez. Landing here instead of traveling around the whole of Europe means saving time, money and emissions ».
In what spirit does he come here?
«I am full of enthusiasm. We are talking about one of the few terminal projects in Italy built from scratch and of a globally recognized company such as Hhla, flanked by a visionary construction company such as Icop, by a historic shipping company such as Parisi and by the Interporto di Bologna ” .
He has worked in Italy and Turkey. What will he give to Trieste?
“Diversity is richness: knowing more environments allows you to find more solutions”.
You have known President D’Agostino for some time …
«I met him in Campania years ago. I find a prominent professional who has great projection towards the future. We will work in the best possible way ».
The first agreement is with the operators of a nearby terminal. Collaboration instead of competition?
“We’re here not to steal a piece of cake, but to make a bigger cake. If the world learns about Trieste as a preferential route, all operators will benefit. The small local competition is destructive: it is necessary to create a recognized role for Trieste to acquire new traffic to support the port community and industries ».
What prevented you from leaving in January?
“I arrived in March and I can say that I have found the will of the authorities to solve every problem.”
For now, the trucks leave the platform on rubber. When does the track connection start?
«We anticipate in April. The railway is a must to expand the port’s catchment area, while respecting the environment and convenience. We do not expect our work to involve traffic problems. We work with the authorities to ensure that our presence does not create discomfort ».
Parisi says he sees opposition to the growth of the port on the horizon for environmental reasons …
«Hhla is a group with serious objectives of reducing emissions and protecting the environment. Our project wants to be respectful of the environment and the city. La Ferriera is about to be redeveloped and the port will push for electrification. Our work does not want to be an obstacle to the lives of citizens ».
It starts with Ulusoy. Are there any other negotiations?
“Ulusoy will dock every Saturday around one to leave for the night. On the other negotiations it is better not to say anything ».
When will we see the first containers?
«We will be ready for the second half of the year. The second crane is assembled and being tested. Containers, ro-ro and general cargo will arrive ».
What numbers do you expect today and how do trade change with the pandemic?
“Covid has raised freight rates and pushes to procure supplies in closer markets: the pandemic will facilitate volumes from Turkey and the Black Sea”.
Now that the infrastructure is up and running, will you start thinking about Pier VIII?
“Soon for escapes forward.”
Will there be hires?
“At the moment we have a team of 45 people between Platform and Gct (Scalo legnami, ed). We will grow as volumes grow ».
How about the huge resources from Recovery?
“Draghi says this is the time to spend. Italy must invest in strategic infrastructures and in the sea resource to ensure that companies are able to gain a competitive advantage from efficient logistic chains ».
The platform was very popular with the Chinese, with whom Hhla has excellent relations. Will there be alliances?
«Now all our attention is directed to the success of this project». –
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