The Association of Freight Forwarders of the Port of La Spezia has expressed concern about the current critical issues affecting the operators of the inland terminal operators section, with tensions geopolitics and conflicts that are generating repercussions on the interchange activities between the port and the inland port, involving both empty and full containers. Highlighting that this service is essential for the port operations, but is affected by the of recent problems that compromise management efficiency and increase the costs borne by the operators, the president of the association, Sandro Bucchioni, explained that "the sector is facing a extraordinary situation. The increase in empty containers from move directly to the port basin of La Spezia, in location of the inland port terminals, involves considerable difficulties and a considerable increase in costs. This dynamic burdens our companies, penalizing operational efficiency and generating additional expenses that risk compromising the economic sustainability of the entire logistics chain".

The association specified that the pick-up/drop-off between port/hinterland has been impacted further due to continued congestion and the increase in costs, such as diesel and accessories. Bucchioni underlined that, Despite facing the same burdens as scheduled services, the shipping of containers has never received discounts or compensations, and this imbalance must be resolved: "We are convinced - he specified - that it is necessary to adopt measures in able to preserve the operational efficiency of the port and ensure cost-effective services, fully covering costs. Only in this way the port logistics system of La Spezia can remain sustainable and competitive, offering the optimization of flows as a concrete response to the needs of operators and addressing current challenges with determination and a strategic perspective. The Freight Forwarders Association - concluded Bucchioni - will continue to defend the interests of its members in all forums opportune".