Ekol Logistics has acquired 65 per cent of Europa Multipurpose Terminals (Molo VI), the operator of the port that it uses for its Ro-Ro and unit train services, located in Trieste, Italy. The acquisition is an addition to the region’s most modern Ro-Ro terminal that the company built in Yalova, Turkey.
Ekol embarked on countless intermodal investments in 2016, with continuing aspirations to achieve sustainable growth through environmentally-friendly business processes and projects. On December 6, 2016, Ekol Logistics acquired majority of Europa Multipurpose Terminals, the operator of the Pier Six in the port in Trieste. It plans to inaugurate the Ro-Ro terminal that is currently being built in Yalova in early 2017.
With the planned investments at the port in Trieste, two separate Ro-Ro vessels can be operated simultaneously, and intermodal train loading capacity will increase to 10 roundtrip services a day. Currently providing services to Turkish and Greek destinations, Ekol will add from Trieste countries such as Israel and Egypt to its portfolio in the coming years. The annual capacity of 110,000 units carried by Ro-Ro vessels and 70,000 units carried by trains in 2016 is expected to rise to 140,000 units by Ro-Ro vessels and 100,000 units by trains in 2017.
Ekol Logistics and Yalova Ro-Ro Terminal Chairman Ahmet Musul spoke about the new investment: “The Port of Trieste enjoys a vital location for our intermodal transportation solution, a pioneering service we offer to customers in a superior, sustainable, low-cost and effective way. We solidified our position here by acquiring the majority of Europa Multipurpose Terminals, the company we received services from up until now. We are sure to make a leap by proceeding with a such a seasoned team in port operations. I am confident that we will convey the experience we gain to Yalova Ro-Ro Terminal, scheduled to open in beginning of 2017.
Francesco Parisi, Casa di Spedizioni S.p.A, until today the majority shareholder of Europa Multipurpose Terminals, and Friulia S.p.A, the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region’s Private Equity company welcome the new majority shareholder and look forward to support a healthy growth of the company. Mr Parisi added that “the new shareholders’ structure of the company strengthens a perspective of continuity and stady growth for EMT and for the port of Trieste”
