€140 Million for Resilient and Improved Operations

The covid pandemic has had a significant impact on the logistics sector around the globe. The Western Balkans is no exception in this regard. Within what is a relatively low-margin industry, logistics players rely on well-established networks to streamline operations. Since the sector is highly competitive, logistics operators need to constantly invest in upgrading their business processes, facilities, and infrastructure.

While many companies struggled to keep their head above water, others were lucky enough to be able to improve their business position in these harsh times. Investing in better infrastructure, for instance, has proved to be one of the most important drivers of post-pandemic recovery. For the Slovenian enterprise Port of Koper (Luka Koper), building better infrastructure was to good an opportunity to be missed.

Despite the covid situation, the operator of the multi-purpose port of Koper completed two years of intensive investment. In 2020, they put almost €68 million in the new infrastructure and equipment, and in 2021, planed investment amounted to €75 million. A significant proportion of these upgrades are focused at the container and automotive segments. The company has one main goal: to improve the effectiveness and the quality of business operations, so as to be more competitive and attract new partnerships.

In 2020, the company implemented two major improvements aimed at the automotive segment. A new dedicated RO-RO berth was opened, and a new railway access platform was built on the north-east side of the port. The year 2021 saw the conclusion of two additional projects. A new, third truck gate was opened, and a new garage with the capacity of 6,000 cars was completed in May.

With an annual throughput of over 600.000 cars, the Koper car terminal ranks among the top automotive ports in the Mediterranean.

In June 2021, the company inaugurated a 100-meters extension of the container terminal quay. The goals, however, are not fully achieved yet, with new stacking areas due for completion in 2022. This will raise the annual capacity to 1.5 million TEU. “In late 2022, two additional super post-panamx STS cranes will be installed at the new container. With almost one million of TEUs handled, Koper is the first container terminal in Adriatic,” explains Sebastjan Šik, head of public relations at the Port of Koper.

A major contribution to Port of Koper’ competitiveness will be the new railway line. Finally, construction works on the new rail route between Port of Koper and the hinterland began in May 2021. According to the project timetable managed by the state-owned company 2TDK, the due date for the 27 km-long section is 2025, while the track is expected to be operational in 2026. Šik describes the project as “the new chapter in the port development”, adding: “With this modern and reliable railway connection, a new chapter of business opportunities and development is opening up for Slovenian logistics and for the countries who rely in their supply chain on the Port of Koper.”