Posted on March 30, 2026
TRIESTE – The port as an advanced node in a network integrating infrastructure and operational processes, driving urban economies. That was the perspective that emerged during the international conference “Digitalising the Road Last Mile for Ports and Multimodal Freight Terminals”, hosted in Trieste במסגרת the EUSAIR Strategy and dedicated to the role of digitalisation in managing the logistics last mile.
Within the framework of more than €40 million in European funding activated in recent years, alongside PNRR resources, the Eastern Adriatic Sea port system is moving along a path of innovation aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the port system through the digitalisation of logistics processes. Regional councillor for Infrastructure and Territory Cristina Amirante highlighted how the modern port is configured as a complex logistics platform, capable of accompanying the evolution of the entire port system. In this context, the digital transition takes on a fundamental role.
«The issue of digitalising the road last mile in ports and multimodal terminals is particularly strategic also for Friuli Venezia Giulia – in her words – This is why the pilot projects for reading number plates at the Lisert toll gate, resulting from an agreement between Autostrade Alto Adriatico and the Eastern Adriatic Sea Port Authority, are so important». The testing of advanced digital systems, the councillor continued, alongside predictive models based on artificial intelligence, also opens up new possibilities in flow management, favouring more accurate planning and a more timely response capacity. From this perspective, the dry port system also takes on a central role, serving as a connecting element between maritime infrastructure and the land logistics network.
The president of the Eastern Adriatic Sea Port Authority, Marco Consalvo, referred to the new European strategy that sees ports and dry ports as key infrastructure, able to connect maritime networks with road and rail ones. A dimension that develops in constant relation with the urban system, introducing elements of complexity that require advanced planning and management tools.
The theme of integration emerges as the backbone of development: port infrastructure is required to interact continuously with logistics chains, ensuring efficient links with the external network and making sure traffic flows are distributed in a coherent and sustainable way. In this scenario, the rail component represents an established strength, while road haulage continues to support a significant share of traffic, making coordinated and intelligent flow management essential.
«Europe is saying clearly that the competitiveness of corridors is no longer decided only by major infrastructure, but by the operational quality of the nodes. The last mile is one of the points where delays, congestion and inefficiencies are concentrated. – these are Consalvo’s words – This is why in our ports of Trieste and Monfalcone we are working on concrete tools to optimise flow management».
Data management and the use of advanced operational analysis tools make it possible to support more effective decision-making processes and optimise the organisation of port activities. This is also the direction of the development of the Port Community System, through which the Port Authority is introducing integrated solutions for managing access and operations.
The integration of European funds and PNRR resources represents a strategic element in supporting this path, with objectives ranging from technological innovation to environmental sustainability. The ecological transition and the issue of energy are in fact emerging as decisive factors for the future development of the port system. The discussion brought together institutions, administrations, representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, the European Commission, port authorities and the logistics system. Among the technical contributions, the experience of the port of Hamburg illustrated advanced traffic management models based on real-time slot systems and intelligent flow control.
