The logistics hub for Europe
A frew years ago, the freeport of Trieste celebrated its 300-year anniversary with a forward-looking conference, which emphasised the enormous importance of a joint Europe based on cross-border cooperation, to be strengthened further within the EUREGIO zone. Crucial areas such as digitalisation, transport and logistics will in future require a joint European effort.
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Expansion of the Austrian railway network
In addition to large-scale plans for the expansion of the port of Trieste, new transport routes along the Tauern-Adria axis are also in the pipeline. Throughout its existence, the port of Trieste has been the “gate to the world” for Central Europe and has played an important role as an international logistics hub especially from an Austrian perspective. The plan now is to set up a customs corridor between Trieste and Carinthia to facilitate the close cooperation of the Austrian and the Italian economy. In future, the Fürnitz shunting yard will function as a customs clearance point for the port of Trieste, turning it into an international logistics hub. All goods that are imported or exported via Trieste will then be cleared in the logistics centre of Kärnten Süd, in cooperation with the Italian customs agents.
Another project that will significantly boost Carinthia’s status as a logistics hub is the scheduled expansion of the Austrian railway network. For the first time ever, the Koralmbahn will provide a direct link between the central regions of Graz and Klagenfurt am Wörthersee. Until now, travel between the two provincial capitals was restricted and only possible via Bruck an der Mur. The construction of the Koralmbahn is considered the biggest step to expand the Austrian railway network.
New opportunities and benefits for Carinthian businesses
The construction of the Koralmbahn and the expansion of the logistics hub in Fürnitz create numerous benefits for businesses based in Carinthia. The customs clearance centre in Fürnitz, for instance, makes it possible to complete customs procedures must faster, saving three or four days on average. This of course means that deliveries will arrive sooner. The logistics centre also presents logistics businesses with an excellent infrastructure: The on-site container terminal, links to the Tauern- and Südbahn lines as well as the proximity to the large-scale shunting yard Villach Süd prepare the ground for efficient logistics projects.
Carinthia-based businesses are also the main beneficiaries of the construction of the Koralmbahn, which will make track haulage far more accessible for logistics projects and thus open up an attractive alternative to road transport. This presents companies with financial advantages, reduces the burden on the environment, reduces road traffic and makes it possible to transport heavier loads. Overall, the Koralmbahn will drastically shorten and simplify transportation routes.
