German port operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik (HHLA) has confirmed that its announced acquisition of 50.01 per cent of the multi-function terminal Piattaforma Logistica Trieste (PLT) in the Italian seaport of Trieste was completed on Thursday, January 7.
The handling facility will operate as HHLA PLT Italy and is expected to start extended operations in February.
The closing of the acquisition comes following approval by the Italian Council of Ministers and the fulfilment of additional formal closing conditions.
The HHLA PLT Italy terminal facilities are within the Free Port of Trieste and take up a total area of 27 hectares. In the northern section of the facility, mainly general cargo transports are already being handled and logistic services provided.
The new heart of the terminal is emerging in the southern section; container and Ro-Ro traffic will be handled in the newly developed area. The site has been prepared as needed, and systemic, technical and staff requirements have been fulfilled.
A 35-metre-wide ramp is available for Ro-Ro handling and will process the newest generation of Ro-Ro ships deployed in the Mediterranean. Container throughput will be carried out on the quay side with mobile harbour cranes, and in the storage area with reach stackers.
The first mobile harbour crane has already been installed and an identical crane will be delivered in the first quarter of 2021.
Four additional eco-efficient reach stackers were ordered for container handling to supplement the existing equipment. These are also expected to be delivered in the first quarter.
