Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics AS (WWL) and DB Cargo formed the joint venture Mediterranean Hub Monfalcone Srl to pool their experience and expertise in automotive logistics. The agreement was signed in Monfalcone (Italy) on 3 November. The transaction is still subject to approval by the Federal Cartel Office.
The joint venture manages the entire logistics chain (rail, port and vessel) for automobile manufacturers who shift their transport routes from Europe to Asia from Northern European ports on the Adriatic ports. This can cut the transport time by up to eight days.
“This joint venture is our response to a request of the car manufacturers for shorter transport times to Asia and simpler logistics chains. Together with WWL we have developed an integrated logistics system from Europe to Asia, via Monfalcone,” explains Andreas Busemann, Chief Sales Officer, DB Cargo.
At the same time the joint venture signed a cooperation agreement with the terminal operator Compagnia Portuale Srl a socio unico in the port of Monfalcone. The development of the port of Monfalcone into a Mediterranean automobile hub and the further expansion of port capacity also for production sites from the immediate hinterland are supported intensively by port operators and local authorities.
