Valdaro Interport, how the A22 redesigns intermodal logistics

(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor)- In the changing and shifting geopolitical scenarios, highways of the sea are becoming increasingly strategic to ensure security, resilience and continuity of supply chains. International tensions and trade fragmentation make it essential to diversify routes and modes of transport. In this context, the Mediterranean once again becomes a crucial junction between Europe, Africa and Asia. A framework in which Mediterranean ports are no longer mere transit points, but integrated logistics platforms with high added value. Their centrality depends on their ability to intercept global trade flows quickly and efficiently. In this context, the connection with hinterlands and land corridors through modern and digitised intermodal hubs is crucial.

In particular, the integration of maritime, rail and road transport reduces time, costs and emissions; intermodal hubs therefore strengthen the competitiveness of territories and attract industrial and logistical investments. They also improve energy and food security, ensuring stable flows even in times of crisis. Developing the motorways of the sea and upgrading ports therefore means investing in the economic sovereignty and stability of the entire Euro-Mediterranean area.

Autostrada del Brennero has always considered it a priority to reduce the environmental impact of transport through modal rebalancing, investing in road and rail. This is where support for intermodal hubs comes from. These objectives include the expansion of the Trento interport, the construction, in synergy with Quadrante Europa, of the intermodal hub of Isola della Scala - for which the company has already acquired an area of 70 hectares - and the implementation of the Valdaro river port in Mantua. The latter is a strategic intermodal logistics node in northern Italia and offers a trimodal platform (road, rail, water) for goods, connected to the Mantua-Adriatic waterway.

The company's intermodal challenge does not end here: after land and rail, Autobrennero is also looking at water and air. In the company's plans there is in fact also the development of the port of Valdaro, which connects Mantua to the sea through 136 kilometres of canals with no water excursion and therefore navigable 365 days a year. The trend of traffic intercepted by the Valdaro port continues to grow: suffice it to think that in 2019 it had handled around 250 thousand tonnes by water, which in 2022 rose to 754 thousand and is estimated to be well over 800 thousand by the end of this year. As for the skies, Autostrada del Brennero is aiming to open a new highway station in Villafranca, near the airport, in order to make the connection with those who want to take a flight faster.