The railway market for the gateway to the Northern Adriatic: problems and prospects

Recently, big port infrastructures investor attention has focused on the opportunities offered by the Gulf of Trieste as a European gate for container traffic, as is the case of the new container terminal planned in the Monfalcone area. In general terms, as the positive trend of Koper's port shows, this area seems to have great development potential, also in view of the Baltic- Adriatic corridor. However, the railway remains one of the key issues. Besides the fact that important railway infrastructures have to be completed, a fundamental issue is the organization of the freight railway supply, both in terms of “traction” operators and operators that provide a full service to port customers. This paper describes the present scenario and provides a critical analysis of the state of the art of the freight railway market organization in the various countries of the northern Adriatic Area (primarily Italy and Slovenia). It also discusses the degree of the market liberalisation and competition, the role of public institutions and the strengths and weaknesses of the system, also in terms of market regulation. Moreover, in view of the new port investments and of the future scenario, this article proposes some considerations on the potential development of an efficient and competitive railway market organization in this area. The main problems and limitations that could arise are identified and viable solutions are explored.