TARANTO

• ITTAR
• Latitude: 40.4889
• Longitude: 17.1879
• East Mediterranean
• Port in Italy

Location: Taranto Puglia 74123 Italy

Web-site: http://www.port.taranto.it/

Taranto Marine Port, Italy

Overview: Taranto, a city in southern Italy, is home to one of the most significant and strategic ports in the Mediterranean Sea. The port is known for its advantageous geographic location, which makes it an essential hub for maritime traffic connecting the East and the West. It serves both commercial and industrial purposes, supporting various types of cargo and shipping activities.

Key Features:

1. Geographical Location:

   • Coordinates: 40°28'N 17°14'E
   • Situated on the Gulf of Taranto, part of the Ionian Sea.

2. Port Infrastructure:

   • Container Terminal:
     • Taranto Container Terminal (TCT): One of the port’s primary sections dedicated to container handling.
     • Equipped with modern cranes and handling equipment to manage large container ships.
   • Bulk Cargo Facilities:
     • Specialized terminals for dry and liquid bulk cargo such as minerals, grains, fertilizers, and petroleum products.
   • Ro-Ro Terminals:
     • Facilities for Roll-on/Roll-off operations, catering to wheeled cargo such as automobiles and heavy machinery.
   • General Cargo:
     • Terminals for handling various types of general cargo, including breakbulk items.
   • Multi-purpose Terminals:
     • Flexible spaces that can accommodate different cargo types depending on demand.

3. Accessibility:

   • Road Network:
     • Connected to the national highway system, facilitating efficient transportation to inland destinations.
   • Rail Network:
     • Rail connections available for intermodal transport, enhancing logistics efficiency.
   • Air Transport:
     • Proximity to regional airports like Brindisi and Bari, offering additional transport options.

4. Draft and Berthing:

   • Depth:
     • Deep-water berths capable of accommodating large ocean-going vessels.
     • Maximum draft could reach up to 18 meters or more in certain areas.
   • Berthing Facilities:
     • Multiple berths of varying lengths and depths suitable for different ship sizes and types.

5. Operational Capabilities:

   • Loading/Unloading:
     • High capacity and efficiency in cargo handling due to advanced equipment and technology.
   • Storage:
     • Extensive warehousing and storage facilities, including refrigerated units for perishable goods.
   • Handling Equipment:
     • Cranes, forklifts, conveyors, and other machinery tailored for specific cargo types.
   • Support Services:
     • Ship repair, maintenance services, bunkering, and waste disposal services available.

6. Environmental Considerations:

   • Emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact.
   • Implementation of pollution control measures and compliance with international maritime regulations.

7. Security and Customs:

   • Advanced security measures in place, including surveillance systems and customs inspections to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
   • Efficient customs processing to expedite cargo movement and reduce delays.

Significance:

• Economic Impact:

  • Vital to the economic development of the region and Italy as a whole.
  • Supports local industries and boosts employment.

• Strategic Importance:

  • Serves as a key node in the Mediterranean maritime network.
  • Facilitates trade routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Future Development:

• Continuous investments in infrastructure and technology to enhance operational efficiency and capacity.
• Expansion projects aimed at increasing throughput and accommodating future growth in maritime traffic.

Taranto Marine Port is pivotal in connecting Europe with the global maritime trade network, playing a key role in logistics, commerce, and regional development.