Why Taranto Container Terminal

To meet the "hub service" needs of world wide shipping lines involved in taking advantage of the rapidly growing Mediterranean traffic.

TCT opened in June 2001, providing a full range of high quality and cost effective 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, TCT has obtained a concession lease to operate the terminal fro 60 years. TCT is located in the Central Mediterranean, 172 nautical miles from the main Suez-Gibiltar shipping route, making it the ideal service center for shipping. With a minimal tidal curve, TCT is easily accessible along clearly market approaches 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year around.
Designed to meet both present and future needs, TCT offers container handling services for all vessels from Feeder to the very largest generation of 6000 plus TEU carriers. Berths at 14 meters depth, state-of-the-art quay, yard and rail equipment and highly 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

Northern Europe traffic volumes are expected to be steady in the next future while Mediterranean total volume share should improve from 36% today to 45% in 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 ready to meet the needs of increased traffic in the Mediterranean. Volumes at TCT are expected to reach over 2 Million TEU by 2009. Increased volumes at TCT means that the number of employees at TCT will also increase from today's 500 to over 1000 people by the end of the decade. Additional services related particularly to logistic and distribution industries will also be required in the area.

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. Improvements to make rail and road communications faster and more effective are scheduled for completion by 2005.

Port of Taranto - A Player in Dynamic Development of the Apulia Region

Apulia is one of the fastest developing regions in southern Italy. Taranto Province has gained a good reputation for its industrial and commercial activities. In addition to Italy's largest steel company ILVA, Taranto Province is home to some 44,000 companies. Amongst these, three major industrial cluster can be identified:
- agriculture : 24000
- agribusiness : 650
- textiles/clothing : 540