Why Taranto Container Terminal
To meet the "hub service" needs of those major shipping lines willing to participate to the rapidly growing Mediterranean traffic.
TCT opened in June 2001, providing a full range of high quality and cost effective services container handling operations. Following an extensive study of Mediterranean Ports, the Port of Taranto was selected for its strategic geographical location, port infrastructures and proximity to markets.
Based on proven track record in the international liner industry of its shareholders, TCT has been awarded a 60 years concession to develop and run the container terminal in the port of Taranto. The activity has started on June 2001, providing a full range of high level and cost effective. TCT is located in the Central Mediterranean, 170 nautical miles from the main Suez-Gibraltar shipping route, making it a valid and barycentric hub port. Subjected to a minimal tidal curve, the Terminal is easily accessible along clearly marked approaches 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
Designed to meet both present and future market needs, TCT offers handling services to all container vessels, from feeders to the last generation of 8000 plus TEU giant carriers. Berths at 15 meters depth, with planned deepening to 15 meters, state-of-the-art quay, yard and rail equipment, plus skilled workforce, combine to position TCT among the most productive and cost effective Container Terminals in the World.
Serving the fastest Growing Market for European Container Transshipment
Recent studies report the North Continent traffic volumes are expected to remain almost steady in the next future, while the total Mediterranean traffic share should improve from the actual 36% to almost 45% by the year 2010.
In the Very Heart of Central Mediterranean
Central Mediterranean shipping volumes are expected to increase by 74% between year 2000 and 2010, i.e. an annual increase of 5,4%.
We are confident that TCT with its strategic geographical position, state-of-the-art equipment and links to Italian national and international railways is an excellent position to enable customers to benefit from this growing trend.
- data source: ocean shipping consultants 1998 -
Getting Set for Volumes Increases
TCT is prepared to respond to the requirements of the increased Mediterranean traffic. The Terminal throughput is expected to reach over 2 Million TEU by the year 2009 and parallelly to this trend, also the number of TCT employees is foreseen to increase from the present 520 to over 1000 people by the end of the decade.
Additional services, particularly related to logistic and distribution activities will also be required and developed in the area.
One of the World's Newest Container Terminal...
Over the past three years, public and private investments of some 260 Million Euro have been made to significantly expand commercial activities. Completion and launch of TCT's state-of-the-art container handling facility provides capacity for over 2 million TEUs per year. In addition, regular Ro-Ro ferry and feeder services connect Taranto to some 40 ports in the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Black Seas. The Port of Taranto is directly connected to Italian rail and road networks facilitating links to markets.