With the launch of the first 400-metre train at the Rugna terminal, under concession to Psa Sech and Bettolo in the port of Genoa, a significant milestone has been reached for intermodal transport. The revamped railway yard, now fully operational, is the result of work carried out by the Western Ligurian Sea Port Authority and investment from Psa Italy.
The yard, granted to Psa Sech and Bettolo, has been modernised and equipped with new A-RMG cranes from Künz, purchased in 2023 and delivered in the final quarter of 2024. Specifically designed to meet the terminal’s needs, these highly energy-efficient cranes represent a leap forward in technology. They are due to be soon remotely operated and semi-automated, promising greater precision and improved safety.
As the final rail link within the port, the Rugna yard now has the capacity to handle up to twenty train pairs daily, a substantial boost to overall logistics capabilities. Its expansion forms part of a wider strategy led by the Port Authority to strengthen intermodal transport, ease road congestion and promote greener freight mobility.
Central to this plan is the direct connection of the yard to major railway corridors: on one side towards the future Campasso station, and on the other towards Sampierdarena maritime station via the Fuorimuro junction. This new infrastructure integration lays the groundwork for seamless access to the Terzo Valico dei Giovi, the key freight route linking the port to Northern Italy.
Among the most forward-looking features is a newly installed transfer slab at the yard’s far end. This system enables the automatic movement of locomotives between tracks, cutting down shunting times and boosting productivity by allowing multiple tracks to be served simultaneously, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall traffic flow.
