by EH
Despite geopolitical turmoil, economic headwinds, and disruptions in global trade routes, the ports of Trieste and Monfalcone managed to close 2024 on a strong note, handling more than 63 million tons of cargo. The Trieste port system, a critical hub in the Eastern Adriatic, saw overall traffic volumes increase by 7.14%, defying broader global trends.
“We are navigating difficult waters—both literally and figuratively—but the system is holding, thanks to the resilience of operators and the strategic investments made over the past few years,” said Vittorio Torbianelli, the special commissioner overseeing the ports of Trieste and Monfalcone.
A Mixed Year for Trade and Logistics
Trieste, Italy’s busiest port, processed 59.5 million tons of cargo in 2024, a figure buoyed by a 10.64% surge in liquid bulk—the sector’s primary driver. The container market, however, struggled to gain momentum after the Red Sea crisis early in the year, closing with a slight decline (-1.21%), totaling 841,867 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units). Notably, the number of full containers increased by 4.02%, while empty container movements declined 12.65%.
The Roll-on/Roll-off (RO-RO) sector remained stable, with 295,386 units transiting—just 1.07% below 2023 levels. However, ship calls on the Motorways of the Sea grew by 8.08%, as new maritime routes bolstered connectivity.
Despite a broader economic slowdown, general cargo saw a modest rise (+1.81%), reaching 18.1 million tons. Yet, solid bulk shipments plunged by 72.72%, largely due to a collapse in the metallurgical products sector, which recorded no activity in 2024. One bright spot: grain shipments soared by 12.99%, reflecting increasing demand from the food industry.
Railway and Cruise Sectors Show Contrasting Trends
Rail transport suffered a setback, with 11,147 trains handled (-9.94%). The decline was attributed to major infrastructure works in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, as well as extreme weather conditions that disrupted freight movement across Central Europe. However, Cervignano Interport saw train traffic rise 17.44%, signaling potential recovery in the sector.
Meanwhile, the cruise industry flourished, with over 500,000 passengers passing through Trieste, an 8% increase over 2023. The city’s growing appeal as a Mediterranean cruise destination continues to boost tourism and related industries.
Monfalcone Faces Tougher Challenges
In contrast, Monfalcone struggled, experiencing a 6.34% drop in total cargo volume, with 3.58 million tons handled. The port, which relies heavily on the automotive industry, was hit hard by the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Red Sea crisis, and shifting production strategies at Fiat’s Bursa plant in Turkey.
Solid bulk shipments at Monfalcone fell by 5%, though certain sectors showed resilience: grain shipments surged 23.65%, and chemical product traffic rose 34.45%. However, commercial vehicle traffic plummeted (-20.57%), reflecting Turkey’s high taxation policies and industry-wide slowdowns. The Portorosega rail sector dipped 2.53%, though 2024 still marked its second-best year on record.
Looking to 2025: Caution and Optimism
The outlook for 2025 remains uncertain, with Torbianelli warning of continued turbulence ahead. “Making predictions in these times is difficult, but we already know that the coming months will be particularly demanding,” he said. He cited Germany’s economic slowdown, shifts in global maritime alliances, and ongoing railway infrastructure works as potential disruptors.
Despite these challenges, Torbianelli remains optimistic, pointing to continued public and private investment in port infrastructure. “The groundwork we’ve laid gives us confidence in the future,” he said. “Even in turbulent waters, Trieste and Monfalcone will remain pillars of the Adriatic’s trade network.”
