The Grimaldi Group has announced an enhancement to the ro-ro route between Trieste and Ambarli in Turkey, effective from 23 October 2024, with the addition of an intermediate stop at the Greek port of Patras. This service enhancement is part of a strategy to improve connections between Italy, Greece, and Turkey, aiming to strengthen the so-called Motorways of the Sea in the Mediterranean. The route is served by the twin units Eco Mediterranea and Eco Malta, two hybrid ro-ro vessels each capable of carrying over 500 trailers. These ships are considered among the most eco-sustainable globally, featuring technology that halves CO2 emissions per cargo unit compared to the previous generation of ro-ro vessels. Moreover, emissions are entirely eliminated during port stops.
The Trieste-Patras-Ambarli service offers two weekly departures from each of the three ports, ensuring a steady and integrated coverage for commercial exchanges in the region. The direct connection between Greece and Turkey marks an important innovation, strengthening the existing network of Motorways of the Sea managed by the Grimaldi Group in the Mediterranean. This new stopover facilitates the movement of rolling cargo between Greece, Italy, and Turkey, expanding options for businesses involved in international trade.
Additionally, the route integrates with the thrice-weekly Venice-Bari-Patras service, also operated by Eco vessels, creating new opportunities for southern Italy. Through transhipment at the Greek port, it is now possible to connect Apulia with Turkey, providing a smoother route for rolling cargo. Meanwhile, Venice serves as a new gateway for rolling units travelling between northern Italy and Turkey, improving logistics and reducing transit times.
