The terminal is improving its technical capability to operate larger ship sizes up to 8,000 TEU capacity representing a significant improvement compared to the current larger ships in the range of 2,800/3,000 TEU.A EUR 8 million investment program started in March 2012 and completed after 13 months with no negative impact on the terminal’s operation as evidenced by an 8% volume growth in 2013. OMG-MGM and Control Techniques (Emerson Group), in close cooperation with TCR’s technical department successfully planned and managed the project in site on the terminal. The “new” cranes have an outreach of 17 containers across, 35.5 m under spreader and a lifting capacity improved up to 55 tons. The new quay cranes cabins are both equipped with the DYNAMIC CONTROL STATION provided by Brieda Cabins, a technical solution significantly improving the ergonomic conditions of the crane operators. New electronic solutions will also provide 30% energy saving thus resulting in better operation performances and lower fuel consumption.
“Today we unveil a new period for TCR that looks to the future with ambition and determination – said Luisa Babini, President of TCR. As we wait for the dredging operations to be provided by Ravenna Port Authority, the terminal is preparing to host larger ships that are now on the horizon. We are supported by a team who want to grow and improve themselves in favor of our valued customers who can also look forward with confidence as our shareholders, namely Sapir and Contship Italia, continue to support our development plan with 3 new RMGs (Rail Mounted Gantry cranes) to be purchased whose order is currently being finalized for an estimated additional investment of some EUR 10 million, which when added to the investment on the cranes and other peripherals means that TCR is currently committed to more than EUR 20 million in total.”
“TCR continues to differentiate the product provided to customers – adds Matteo Casadio, President of Sapir. “Ravenna is already an excellent example for refrigerated and perishable cargo handling, being exchanged between Europe and Eastern Mediterranean countries. The organization of the terminal aims to provide the best care for such type of products which are further supported by effective partnerships with customs authorities and local logistic operators. These investments enable us to be ready for the new terminal, which will have increased water depth and a longer berth length.”
Also present at the inauguration, the President of Contship Italia, Cecilia Eckelmann Battistello who commented: “Today we start to recover from the planned timetable whose further delay would have a strong negative impact on Ravenna’s serviceability. Shipping lines calling the terminal can now achieve improved flexibility in their network, a key factor given the current weakness of sea freight income. As there is now evidence of a market recovery, we must now proceed by increasing the pace of development in order to revive Ravenna’s competitiveness in the Adriatic giving substance to the new terminal construction as TCR Ravenna confirms its role as main Italian gateway for the Levant and Middle East trades. A container terminal providing service flexibility and reliability which represent a competitive factor for the Emilia Romagna and the Northern East Italian economies”.
The inauguration, which was attended by public institutions of the city (from the mayor of Ravenna, Fabrizio Matteucci, the President of the Ravenna Port Authority, Galliano Di Marco and the Emilia Romagna Region represented by the Director, Miro Fiammenghi), ended with a ceremony of ribbon cutting by the Mayor and the crane’s blessing by, Monsignor Don Alberto Graziani, representing the Bishop of Ravenna.