Italy’s leading container terminal in La Spezia (LSCT), operated by Contship Italia Group, has been voted “Best Container Terminal – Europe” at the 2017 Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain Awards (AFLAS) held last week in Singapore, informs Contship Italia.
The AFLAS awards are organized by the freight and logistics magazine Asia Cargo News and are granted based on votes of its 15,000 readers and e-news subscribers. The award recognizes leading service providers in the international transport and logistics industry, including ports and terminal operators, airports, shipping and airlines as well as 3PL’s.
The rating was based on criteria such as efficient container turnaround, rail and truck connectivity, investment in new terminal structure to meet future demands, effective IT systems, and a variety of product ranges.
Cecilia Eckelmann-Battistello, Contship Italia Group President, said: “This prestigious win showcases the significance of Contship’s Container Terminal in La Spezia as an important logistic platform that aims to deliver the best individual solutions for its customers. In the coming years, La Spezia will improve its handling capacity from 1.4 to 2.5 mln TEU and will further increase the rail share to 50% of the total throughput to meet the rising demand for faster operation that comes with larger tonnage being deployed by the global alliances on the main east – west routes. In the eyes of Asia, Contship is a respected name and this has been recognised through this award.”
The company invests EUR 200 mln (USD 227 mln) into the terminal’s expansion in the coming 3-5 years enabling LSCT to handle four 20,000 TEU ultra-large containerships simultaneously, according to Daniele Testi, Head of Marketing and Communication at Contship Italia, who received the award. Currently the facility can simultaneously handle two vessels of 14,000-16,000 TEU capacity.
The current 11 STS cranes will also be increased up to 19 plus 4 mobile cranes.
The LSCT’s exceptional rail connections and direct access to major Italian road networks, facilitate efficient delivery and transportation. At present, about 35% of the terminal’s volume is moved by rail. “After the port development project is completed, the trains will be able to move 50% of throughput, connecting to the Northern Italy hinterland and internationally to countries including Germany and Switzerland,” Testi told in an interview to Seatrade Maritime News.
According to Contship Italia, in January-May, 2017 LSCT handled over 423,000 TEU, up 16% to the same period last year. The terminal is the port of call for the three major shipping alliances: 2M, Ocean Alliance and THE Alliance.