Hungary puts Trieste port terminal project under review

The Hungarian government is reviewing plans to develop a logistics terminal at the Italian port of Trieste, questioning its financial, technical and commercial viability. The facility would provide the landlocked country with an outlet on the Adriatic. The project envisages a multipurpose terminal on the former Aquila refinery site, southeast of Trieste in Muggia, closed since 1985. The development would include 650 metres of quay and a logistics platform. Total investment has been estimated at around €200 million, with Italy covering the water side and Hungary paying for the works on land.

According to Hungarian media, the government has transferred responsibility for the project from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the Ministry of Transport and Investment, headed by Dávid Vitézy. The latter confirmed that it was examining the project’s financial, technical and market viability before deciding how to proceed.

The previous Orbán government had targeted completion in 2028. Hungary acquired the site and concession for €31 million in 2020. Industry reports indicate that Italy’s investment in the maritime infrastructure amounts to approximately €45 million, while Hungary had planned to invest around €150 million in the terminal and associated facilities.

The Hungarian review does not equal cancellation, and work on the Italian seaside is continuing. However, construction of the terminal has yet to begin and decisions will have to be made sooner rather than later.

This story was originally published by RailFreight.com. Read the full story at RailFreight.com →