For a terminal typically renowned for its reefer expertise, a 284% year-on-year increase in vehicle import volumes in 2023 and a strong start in 2024, the Vado Gateway in norther Italy appears to have hit upon a winning formula for roll-on roll-off customers.

With a post-Covid recovery of the automobile market, a surge in imports of electric vehicles from Asia to Europe, and a recent drop-off in demand for EVs resulting in reports of congestion at many roll-on roll-off facilities in Europe, “the timing was right for a renewed focus on this market,” according to Santi Casciano – CEO Vado Gateway and Reefer Terminal.

Rail connectivity

The terminal has been able to leverage this market opportunity, thanks to the Reefer Terminal’s infrastructure, which includes a 460-meter long ro-ro quay, off-dock rail facility (4 lanes, 450 m length) connecting motorail trains with key markets in Northern Italy, and Container Terminal drafts capable of accommodating ships up to 17.25 meters. Plans are in motion to increase capacity at the rail-facility with track extension to 750m by 2026.

With the growth seen over previous years, Casciano has his sights set high. “Our infrastructure, and experience accrued over the year means that the Vado Gateway port system has all the technical features and skills necessary to serve this market with the highest standards and is a candidate to become one of the main Mediterranean gateways for automotive logistics,” he says.

“Our well-connected rail network can also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and overall improving the environmental sustainability of the entire supply chain.”

Alternative to Norther European ports

This month, a new partnership, Vehicle Logistic Vado (VLV) was also established. Partners XCA- Arcese, a leader in multi-model vehicle transportation in Europe, and Fratelli Cosulich Group, a leader in shipping and logistics, will invest in a strategically located secure area tailored to Finished Vehicle Logistics’ operations close to the Vado Ligure port complex. VLV aspires to become the gateway to the European market, offering a compelling alternative to Northern ports.

Together with APM Terminals ro-ro expertise and port infrastructure, this will provide customers with a fully integrated supply chain for vehicle logistics into Europe, and offers the potential to make Vado, the gateway to Europe for vehicle imports.