“Italy is becoming the leading intermodal gateway between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe”

Market Insights by Manuela Musoni, General Manager Van den Bosch Italy

Italy plays an increasingly important role in connecting the Mediterranean region with Northern Europe. With its strategic location and rail connections to Northern Europe, the country offers tremendous potential for intermodal bulk logistics. “But to unlock this potential, we need to combine sustainability with reliability and flexibility,” says Manuela Musoni, General Manager of Van den Bosch Italy.

In recent years, significant investments have been made in rail infrastructure and intermodal connections. At the same time, companies are increasingly looking for sustainable and efficient transport solutions to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve supply chain sustainability. These developments are driving growth in rail-based logistics. I see the strongest growth potential in sectors such as food, agricultural products, chemicals and industrial raw materials. For these flows in particular, integrated road-rail solutions can play an important role.

Reliability and flexibility

However, the Italian market is currently facing a challenging transition period. Operational reality remains complex. Infrastructure works, frequent disruptions affecting rail services, capacity shortages and terminal congestion continue to put pressure on the reliability of rail connections. From my daily operational experience, I see that market demand for intermodal solutions is growing, but reliability and flexibility remain crucial factors for customers. A sustainable transport solution also needs to work in operational practice.”

Cooperation and connectivity

Successful intermodal operations therefore require close cooperation between terminals, rail operators, carriers and customers. They also require logistics partners who can respond quickly when circumstances change. Local expertise is essential: you need to understand the Italian market and its infrastructure, while being able to effectively connect different modes of transport.

A gateway to Europe

Over the next five to ten years, I expect further integration between road, rail and port logistics, supported by European sustainability objectives and ongoing investments in transport infrastructure. The opportunities for Italy are significant. In fact, Italy has the potential to become the leading gateway to connect the Mediterranean region with Northern Europe. But the companies best positioned for future growth will not simply be those moving more transport to rail. They will be the ones that can effectively manage both sustainability targets and today’s operational complexity.