Maersk flags Italy rail disruption risk during summer infrastructure works

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Maersk has warned customers of delays, reduced capacity and possible service cancellations across northern Italy as extensive railway infrastructure works affect intermodal connections between the Ligurian ports and inland logistics hubs through the end of September.

Rail services serving Vado Ligure, Genoa and La Spezia will continue operating during the works. However, the carrier said trains will face greater exposure to congestion, unplanned cancellations and longer transit times as several important railway corridors close temporarily.

The restrictions will affect container flows between Italy’s main Ligurian gateways and inland terminals including Padua and Verona. Cargo owners using 40 foot high cube containers may face additional constraints because some alternative rail routes cannot accommodate these units.

The intermodal network linking Vado, Genoa and La Spezia with inland destinations will remain available, but normal schedules may become harder to maintain.

Maersk is working with railway operators and infrastructure managers to introduce alternative routings where possible. These contingency arrangements are intended to preserve cargo flows, although they may increase transit times and reduce the network’s ability to recover after delays.

Rail networks normally rely on several routes to absorb disruption. When alternative corridors are also restricted, the system can resemble a road network where traffic is forced onto a smaller number of lanes. A single late train can then affect equipment availability, terminal slots and connecting services elsewhere in the network.

The carrier said the precise operational impact of each infrastructure project cannot be predicted. Construction schedules and railway operator plans may also change as work progresses.

The first major restriction is scheduled from 2 August until 16 August, when the railway line between Verona and Vicenza will close.

The interruption is expected to reduce rail capacity between the Ligurian ports and Padua. Shippers moving containers through Padua during this period may face limited departure options, longer waiting times or revised schedules.

Padua is an important inland connection for cargo moving between the ports of Liguria and industrial areas in northeastern Italy. Capacity pressure on this corridor could therefore affect both import and export flows during the peak summer holiday period.

Maersk has encouraged customers to book shipments as early as possible, particularly where delivery schedules depend on fixed production dates, vessel connections or warehouse appointments.

A second and potentially wider disruption is scheduled between 17 August and 14 September, when the railway route through Ovada will be closed.

Maersk said the closure may create capacity constraints for 40HC containers moving from Liguria to all inland hubs.

High cube containers are commonly used for automotive components, machinery, consumer goods and other cargo requiring additional internal height. Their dimensions can limit the number of railway routes available because tunnels, bridges and overhead infrastructure must provide sufficient clearance.

The Ovada closure therefore creates a particular operational challenge. Alternative rail routes may remain available for standard containers but may not be suitable for high cube equipment.

This could result in fewer available train slots, revised loading plans and greater reliance on road transport for cargo that cannot be accommodated on alternative rail corridors.

The most direct service interruption will occur from 24 August until 29 August.

During this period, railway works will make the Vado to Verona service unavailable in both directions. Containers moving between the port and Verona will need to wait for rail capacity to return or use an alternative transport arrangement.

The closure could affect cargo arriving at Vado on scheduled vessel services as well as exports planned for connection with outbound sailings. Terminal storage, equipment availability and customs procedures may become more difficult to coordinate when trains cannot depart as scheduled.

Maersk said trucking alternatives will remain available throughout the affected period. However, customers will be responsible for any additional costs arising from contingency road transport because the railway disruptions are outside the carrier’s control.

The advisory places the financial risk of alternative transport on cargo owners, making advance planning particularly important for shipments with limited flexibility.

Maersk said its customer service and commercial teams will continue working with rail operators and infrastructure managers to reduce disruption and provide updates.

Customers have been advised to allow additional time when planning shipments through the Ligurian ports and to consider the possibility of schedule changes, missed rail departures and unplanned trucking requirements.

The restrictions are currently scheduled to continue through September, with the most significant capacity pressure expected between early August and mid September.