Mercitalia Shunting Wins Rail Shunting Concession in Italian Ports

The Management Committee of the Western Ligurian Sea Port System Authority approved new assignments for the rail shunting service in the ports of Savona and Vado.

Details of these resolutions were provided on the Italian body's website, which reported that "the approval of the results of the bidding process for the concession of rail shunting services in the ports of Savona and Vado Ligure has been granted to Mercitalia Shunting & Terminal Srl following a public tender process involving two bidders. The concession, with a duration of five years and the possibility of a two-year extension, has an estimated total value of approximately 22.6 million euros and will ensure the continuity of an essential service for the rail operations of both ports."

Furthermore, it was detailed that "the winning bid, which was considered superior both technically and financially, with a 12.6% reduction on the base tender rates, includes an integrated model for shunting and rail traction management, ensuring uninterrupted operational organization, solutions oriented towards environmental sustainability, including the use of low-emission biofuels, digital systems for operations management, and an infrastructure and vehicle maintenance plan that exceeds the tender requirements."

Finally, it was announced that "the Committee also approved a four-year concession to Trasportounito Service Cooperativa Consortile for an uncovered area of approximately 6,300 square meters along the side tracks of the port overpass near Varco Etiopia. The project arose from the need to find an alternative solution to the areas currently used in the Erzelli Science and Technology Park, which are affected by the start of construction of the new university campus, thus ensuring the operational continuity of road transport companies operating daily in the Port of Genoa. The new area will contribute to improving the organization of heavy vehicle parking, promoting greater traffic flow, more efficient logistics management, and better safety conditions within the port."

"During the meeting, the Management Committee also expressed a favorable opinion on other authorization and state property measures in accordance with articles 24, 36, 45-bis, and 46 of the Navigation Code, which are essential for the management and development of port activities," the publication concluded.