Rijeka Gateway and Italian Cold Ironing Guidelines Mark New Phase for Adriatic Ports

The North Adriatic port system is undergoing a major reorganisation as Maersk and Hapag‑Lloyd launch the Gemini alliance, centred on the new Rijeka Gateway container terminal in Croatia. The alliance aims to make the port of Rijeka the primary hub for feeder services to Italian ports such as Venice, Ancona and Ravenna, while traffic at Trieste is expected to fall sharply. At the same time, Italy has introduced national “Cold Ironing” guidelines for 2026, requiring port authorities to award shore‑power concessions through public tender. The rules set tariff structures, safety standards and concession lengths of five to ten years, aiming to cut the maritime sector’s 3 % share of global CO₂ emissions.

These developments reflect a broader shift toward more integrated logistics networks and greener port operations across the Adriatic region.