An observatory to analyze critical issues and find practical solutions, in one or, at the most, two months from now, to the port congestion problems hauliers are complaining about.
This is what the North Tyrrhenian Port Network Authority (PNA) has agreed to set up, at the end of a meeting between port cluster representatives, held at the Port Authority’s headquarters,.
Under scrutiny is the daily congestion in the port caused by malfunctions at certain terminals, according to haulier associations.
As is well known, as of 1st July, road hauliers are to charge contractors an additional fee as an indemnity for what it calls serious critical issues affecting their haulage operations.
The surcharge has not been waived by Palazzo Rosciano, but the port administration is open to mediation, speeding up the technical discussion and setting up a work group to define a new organizational model that takes into account the current complexity of the issue, with its numerous variables.
“We are committed to finding common solutions that will make the port more competitive,” said PNA special commissioner Davide Gariglio opening the meeting.
“The aim is to try to facilitate the entire port area being fully operational,” he added.
Over the next few days, state property senior manager, Fabrizio Marilli, is to start tackling the many complex issues that need to be solved. Among the various options on the table is enhancing the current computerized access systems at Livorno’s port terminal gates.
The road haulier associations and the ones representing terminal operators and freight forwarders attending the meeting stated that they had no intention to boycott the discussion initiated by the PNA at Palazzo Rosciano.
“Our administration considers these issues to be of great importance. We will try to work together to identify feasible solutions. Once we have individuated them we may consider the possibility of revoking the port fee” Mr. Marilli concluded.
Translation by Giles Foster