Vado Gateway goes live: inauguration of the new state-of-the-art container terminal

The APM Terminals-operated container facility is now open. The new state-of-the-art terminal features the first fully automated yard in Italy and a technologically advanced truck appointment system.

The APM Terminals-operated container facility is now open. The new state-of-the-art terminal features the first fully automated yard in Italy and a technologically advanced truck appointment system   The new container terminal in Vado Ligure will initially operate along a 450-linear metre portion of the quay, but as of July 2020 the entire 700-metre quay will be available for use. With a 17.25-metre draft alongside and 4.5 metres above sea level, Vado Gateway is equipped to accommodate the latest generation of Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) without any limitations. The terminal offers a full range of technologically-advanced handling equipment manufactured by the Shanghai-based ZPMC, including 5 ship-to-shore cranes, automated rail mounted gantry cranes (ARMG) and 19 straddle carriers. Maximum handling capacity is estimated at 900,000 TEUs per annum, and the terminal operating company is expected to hire a total of 401 people. The concession agreement has been awarded by the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority for a period of 50 years. In addition, the Port Authority has earmarked an 11.1-million euro investment programme for the upgrading of the on-terminal direct road link with the Savona motorway exit set to by-pass the centre of Vado. Vado Gateway ranks as the first semi-automated port in Italy, featuring a fully-automated Customs gate and stacking yard. APM Terminals has a 50.1% share in the terminal operating company APM Terminals Vado Ligure, with COSCO Shipping Ports holding a 40% stake and Qingdao Port International Development Co. Ltd a 9.9% stake. Read the press release ({docidfileslight}679{/docidfileslight})