The European Commission has approved Italy’s request to grant State aid in support of rail freight shunting operations in ports, authorising a measure aimed at supporting the rail cargo sector.
The scheme, known as the “Port Ferrobonus”, will be valid for five years and provides for a reduction in tariffs for rail freight operators and their customers. The measure is designed to support rail shunting activities within ports.
Under the Commission’s decision, Italian Port System Authorities are authorised to grant incentives of up to €500,000 per year per Authority, for a total amount of €30 million over the reference period.
The aid is addressed to rail shunting operators, who will be required to pass on 50% of the contribution to railway undertakings, following a mechanism similar to the existing Ferrobonus scheme.
Implementation of the measure is subject to the adoption of an interministerial implementing decree. Once adopted, Port System Authorities may optionally proceed with the publication of calls for proposals for the allocation of the incentives.