Abstract
In the short span of two decades La Spezia became the second container handling Italian port (net of transhipment ports), with absolute European excellence productivity indices. Concerning the national context, La Spezia is one of the major Italian container ports playing a fundamental role of gateway port to the rich markets of North Italy, especially Milan and the Milanese Logistics Region. La Spezia port is also characterized by a high use of rail mode and the availability of an immediate hinterland logistics area. La Spezia has been included in the TEN-T Core Network as strategic node linked to the Scandinavian - Mediterranean Corridor. This role in the European transport context allows the port to access to funds for infrastructure investments decided by the European Commission. These important results are fostered by an organizational and management model consolidated over time thanks to the contribution and collaboration of the major players in the port system: Port Authority, Maritime Authority, Customs Agency, Terminal operators, Shipping Agent, Customs Brokers, etc. The analysis of some significant case histories and interviews with international "decision makers" (mentioned in the report) has permitted to read "La Spezia System" from the point of view of external stakeholders, such as investors, entrepreneurs, end-users able to understand its strengths and weaknesses. The research carried out by C-log definitely show why La Spezia might be considered a "lean" container port, where the government and the planning of inbound and outbound flows is so efficient to be compared to a "lean organization".