Polo Logistica enters for the first time into Terminal Management in Europe

Strengthening the network of rail terminals to relaunch the intermodal logistics system. In line with this goal, Polo Logistica (FS Italiane Group), through its subsidiary TX Logistik, has become part of the shareholder structure of the Duisburg terminal in Germany. This move further strengthens its presence in Europe in terminal operations and reinforces its position in the freight transport value chain.

 

There are three partners in the newly created “Ziel Terminal GmbH” that acquired the Duisburg terminal; the Dutch company Samskip, which holds 49.8% of the shares, duisport, the local port company, and TX Logistik, each holding 25.1%.

 

The terminal covers 140,000 square meters and has seven transfer tracks, each 720 meters long, two maneuvering tracks, and two high-performance gantry cranes for transshipment between road and rail. The terminal has an annual handling capacity of 250,000 loading units.

 

"Entering the shareholder structure that will manage the Duisburg terminal means offering our customers significant geographical expansion, as the terminal is strategically located in the heart of Germany, in an important industrial zone, along Europe's main commercial exchange axis," commented Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO of Mercitalia Logistics. He continued: "This will contribute to achieving other important goals, such as improving service quality, synchronizing traction and terminal access slots, increasing transport efficiency, and implementing activities that are essential for an effective door-to-door service."

 

Operations at the Duisburg hub benefit from modern information and communication technologies. For example, a control tower enables the preliminary planning of terminal activities and the management of exceptional cases. Other high standards include advanced gate functions, electronic scanning for entry registration, priority management of orders, truck parking allocation, and enhanced security management. Furthermore, the terminal’s facilities allow effective cross-docking, avoiding merchandise storage delays, and facilitating the repair of railway cars.

 

"The long-term partnership established for Duisburg not only strengthens our position but also paves the way for sustainable growth and the expansion of our business model. By jointly leveraging the potential of the three strong players duisport, Samskip, and TX Logistik, we can continuously develop terminals and succeed together. This will create additional handling capacity at the Duisburg site," said Markus Bangen, CEO of duisport.

 

Kari-Pekka Laaksonen, CEO of Samskip: “As Samskip is highly committed to achieving its sustainability goals, this will further consolidate the use and growth of rail transport in the region."

 

In line with the FS Italiane Group’s Industrial Plan, presented by CEO Luigi Ferraris last May, Polo Logistica plans investments of nearly 3 billion euros over the next ten years to support significant operational and commercial development of the sustainable logistics asset, focusing on rail freight in both Italy and Europe.

 

The partnership for the terminal is still subject to approval by the European competition authorities.