Structural factors for a third-generation port: Planning transport interventions in Gioia Tauro, Italy

Ports can be classified into different categories, or generations, according to the definitions of UNCTAD. Third-generation ports emerged in the last decades of the 20th century, principally due to world-wide large scale containerization and inter-modalism combined with the growing requirements of the international trade. Ports turned into integrated transport centres and logistic platforms for international trade. The aims of this paper are to: (a) analyse the current conditions of Gioia Tauro port, in the context of Calabria Region (Italy); (b) propose strategic development directions and transport interventions towards a third generation port. Scenario and planned interventions in the port of Gioia Tauro are identified in the Regional Transport Plan of Calabria and in the strategic report of the Integrated Logistic Area (ALI) of Gioia Tauro. The defined scenario aims to achieve the objectives to strength the existing transhipment activities and to support the development of new port-related activities in the hinterland area. The infrastructural interventions aim to connect the port with the European networks and the access to/from Calabria Region. The interventions concern both the expansion of the port infrastructures, on the sea-side; and the increase of the railway and road infrastructures, on the land-side.