Recently, big port infrastructures investor attention has focused on the opportunities offered by
the Gulf of Trieste as a European gate for container traffic, as is the case of the new container terminal
planned in the Monfalcone area. In general terms, as the positive trend of Koper's port shows, this
area seems to have great development potential, also in view of the Baltic- Adriatic corridor. However,
the railway remains one of the key issues. Besides the fact that important railway infrastructures have
to be completed, a fundamental issue is the organization of the freight railway supply, both in terms of
“traction” operators and operators that provide a full service to port customers. This paper describes
the present scenario and provides a critical analysis of the state of the art of the freight railway market
organization in the various countries of the northern Adriatic Area (primarily Italy and Slovenia). It also
discusses the degree of the market liberalisation and competition, the role of public institutions and the
strengths and weaknesses of the system, also in terms of market regulation. Moreover, in view of the
new port investments and of the future scenario, this article proposes some considerations on the
potential development of an efficient and competitive railway market organization in this area. The
main problems and limitations that could arise are identified and viable solutions are explored.
