The project at Gioia Tauro – one of 15 eligible for funding in the Trans-European Energy Networks programme – is to be given almost £1.3m ($2.4m), and is expected to be operational by 2013. Meanwhile, the port is also projected to be the largest car distribution hub in the Mediterranean, with an annual throughput of 600,000 units by 2011, up from this year’s projected figure of 200,000. The centre is expected to add value by being the home of a technical centre to put right transit damage and add personal-specification items for end users.
Fos in France is also seeking to woo car import customers, and plans to take a project to tender by the end of this year.
Tarragona takeover
Contarsa, the operator of a container terminal at Tarragona, has been taken over by DP World and Zim Ports.
The former has taken 60%, with the latter taking the remaining 40%.
The Tarragona terminal has an annual capacity of 150,000 teu, with potential for expansion.
There are plans to increase its depth to 16.5 metres and increase the quayside length to 400 metres to allow berthing for the newest generation of carriers.
