Adria Port moves beyond the concept phase: concrete development begins

TRIESTE – The Adria Port project—the new Hungarian terminal at the port of Trieste—has moved past the concept phase and is now entering a stage of concrete development.
This is explained by Jens Peder Nielsen, CEO of Aquila srl, a subsidiary controlled by the Hungarian state-owned company.
The operational and commercial framework now appears largely defined. 2026 will be a key year, marked by progress on permitting, the start of construction and market development work, ahead of the planned start of operations in 2028. The focus is on growth in Ro-Ro volumes, intermodal integration with the hinterland and strengthening Trieste’s role as a logistics hub towards Central Europe, with direct benefits for the port system and the local economy.

Nielsen, what is the current status of the terminal project and what are the main milestones planned for 2026?
«The terminal project has moved beyond the concept phase and is now firmly positioned in a structured development stage. The overall framework is already defined, including the terminal concept, the operating model and the basic commercial logic, with current attention focused on detailed design, permitting alignment and preparatory works.
For 2026, the emphasis will be on execution and market preparation rather than volume targets. Key milestones include finalising civil design, further progress on permitting and a visible acceleration of on-site construction. In parallel, commercial activity will intensify, with the objective of securing strong relationships with logistics operators and Ro-Ro shipping lines, ensuring the terminal is commercially embedded in regional supply chains well before go-live. Parallel public infrastructure works by the Port Authority are progressing at a good pace and form an integral part of this overall preparation».

The timeline indicates operations starting in 2028. Are there still permitting obstacles or delays expected?
«The project remains aligned with the planned start of operations in 2028. While permitting processes are inherently complex in port developments, they are advancing within a well-defined framework and in close cooperation with the competent authorities. As a result, we hope to be able to keep to the indicated schedule.
It is important to note that the project is structured in phases, allowing the gradual introduction of initial operational activities. This reduces execution risk and provides commercial flexibility, ensuring services can be launched in a controlled, market-ready way rather than relying on a single “all-or-nothing” start date».

You recently signed agreements with Metrans and Airmax Cargo. How do these partnerships affect the terminal’s logistics capacity and its intermodal integration?
«The agreements with Metrans and Airmax Cargo focus on strengthening hinterland connectivity and operational readiness. Both partnerships support predictable, well-coordinated cargo flows between Trieste and its main inland markets from day one. Together, they enhance reliability and integration between maritime operations and inland distribution without limiting flexibility for shipping lines or customers. This approach should also guide future agreements and cooperation frameworks, both in Italy and in Hungary».

Which types of traffic (Ro-Ro, containers, general cargo, project cargo) will be prioritised in the first years?
«In the first years, priorities will be driven by visible demand in the northern Adriatic and by the segments where the terminal can deliver immediate value. Demand for additional Ro-Ro capacity in Trieste is well established, and the terminal can respond quickly with flexible and scalable solutions that complement existing services. The container strategy is deliberately selective and grounded in market realities, fully aware of the current expansion of container capacity in the northern Adriatic. Breakbulk and project cargo form the third strategic pillar. The terminal is designed to handle oversized and high-value shipments efficiently, strengthening Trieste’s role as the natural northern Adriatic gateway for this traffic. Temperature-controlled cargo is also a targeted growth segment from the outset, with dedicated cold-chain capacity».

To what extent can the project strengthen Trieste’s role as a hub towards Central Europe and towards corridors such as IMEC, or a possible Trieste–Budapest customs corridor?
«The project strengthens Trieste’s role by enhancing functions already embedded in its geography and hinterland logic. By adding capacity, flexibility and tighter integration between sea, rail and road, the terminal supports more reliable and predictable cargo flows to inland markets. From a corridors perspective, the project aligns with initiatives such as IMEC without depending on them. Trieste is well positioned as a Mediterranean entry point where long-distance corridors connect with inland distribution networks, and the terminal’s role is to translate corridor concepts into executable port-level logistics solutions. In the same spirit, a potential Trieste–Budapest customs or logistics corridor should be seen as a practical enabler rather than a prerequisite. More predictable customs processes, better data visibility and clearer inland routing can help reduce administrative friction and improve cargo transport reliability between the port and inland destinations. The terminal is designed to integrate seamlessly into such solutions, reinforcing Trieste’s role as a day-to-day, working logistics hub rather than merely a conceptual corridor endpoint».

What direct benefits will the terminal bring to the local economy and the regional logistics chain? And how do you intend to involve port operators and local businesses?
«The terminal is designed as an integral part of Trieste’s port system, generating tangible local benefits rather than operating as a standalone asset. These include new jobs during construction and operations, increased demand for port services and higher activity levels across the entire regional logistics chain. A key objective is active engagement with local operators and businesses—such as ALPT, Adriafer, PTS, etc.—through open, market-based cooperation, subcontracting and long-term partnerships where appropriate. By integrating existing port infrastructure and capabilities, the project acts as a multiplier for Trieste and Friuli Venezia Giulia’s economy, supporting employment, know-how and long-term competitiveness».