{"id":18188,"date":"2026-06-16T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/interview-with-alberto-grizone-on-the-fragility-of-european-logistics-digital-transformation-and-the-future-of-eurasian-corridors\/"},"modified":"2026-06-16T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T00:00:00","slug":"interview-with-alberto-grizone-on-the-fragility-of-european-logistics-digital-transformation-and-the-future-of-eurasian-corridors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/interview-with-alberto-grizone-on-the-fragility-of-european-logistics-digital-transformation-and-the-future-of-eurasian-corridors\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Alberto Grizone \u2013 on the fragility of European logistics, digital transformation, and the future of Eurasian corridors."},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Alberto Grizone, Director of For Strategic Projects and Network Developments in Hupac Intermodal S.A., is an expert in rail and multimodal logistics with nearly 30 years of experience in international transport. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the development of trans-European transport solutions, digital freight management systems, and the formation of new logistics corridors between Europe and Asia. Today, he focuses on developing high-frequency rail services and building a more connected and predictable logistics network between key industrial regions. In this interview, we discuss where European logistics is truly resilient and where it is far more vulnerable than commonly assumed, as well as the decisions that may define its development in the coming years.<\/p>\n

European logistics today often speaks about \u201cresilience.\u201d But honestly \u2013 what moment over the past few years personally made you realize that the European transport system is actually far more fragile than it seemed?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

I guess that, considering how much cargo is transported on a yearly basis in Europe via rail, we have a positive element and a good basis for the discussion.<\/p>\n

Of course, currently the stress is huge. The fact that many railway undertakings are suffering because of an increase in general costs due to the negative impact of the poor quality of infrastructure and ongoing reconstruction works, alongside rising general costs and, finally, excessive protectionism between various countries and a lack of a transparent vision regarding costs and access to infrastructure.<\/p>\n

In addition, in recent years the situation with reconstruction works has been worsening significantly. However, I really think that talking about resilience is correct when it comes to preserving achievements and creating the basis for further development and reaching the targets of the European White Paper, namely 30% of long-distance cargo by rail by 2030. Moreover, many new corridors and lines are under construction, and therefore it is very appropriate to talk about resilience.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Rail freight constantly loses to road transport in terms of flexibility and speed of decision-making. What is the \u201cuncomfortable\u201d truth that the rail freight industry still does not want to openly admit?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

I think that the answer lies in the different scale between rail and road.<\/p>\n

In order to create a competitive train, you need a sufficient number of shipments to fill it. Road transport can operate even with a single shipment.<\/p>\n

Of course, roads will always benefit from its elasticity, but rail can gain an advantage in terms of speed, especially over long distances.<\/p>\n

Rail needs modernization and more open access, supported by a single European language for operations, which would consequently enable easier international use of drivers and communication systems.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

If you had the opportunity to abolish one bureaucratic or infrastructure-related rule in European logistics tomorrow \u2013 what would it be, and why does it slow the market down more than anything else?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

It is a very complex matter, but I guess that introducing a universal European language, as already exists in other transport modalities, would be a great step forward.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Today everyone talks about AI, digital twins, and data sharing. But in your opinion, where is digitalization in logistics already creating real value, and where is it still mostly just attractive conference marketing?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

I have been in this business for approximately 30 years, and I can say that the opportunity to digitalize access to train management, tracking and ETA (estimated time of arrival), and shipment management is already a very useful tool.<\/p>\n

We can also say that many developments aimed at connecting different transport modalities are currently ongoing.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Many young professionals see logistics as an \u201cinvisible\u201d industry without excitement or ambition. After so many years in the sector, what still genuinely surprises or fascinates you personally about this industry?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

I think that one of the most relevant charms of logistics is that every day is different, and I can say that after 30 years I still have something new to learn every day.<\/p>\n

Logistics has existed since even before the invention of the wheel. It is a field where creativity, imagination, and pragmatism come together in the best possible way, and I would say this combination defines its essence.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

If we imagine that in 10 years European logistics has become truly sustainable and fully digital \u2013 which element of today\u2019s system will disappear first as a relic of the past?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

Looking at how quickly the world is evolving, I guess it is quite difficult to answer your question.<\/p>\n

I also believe it is always important to preserve our experience in order to build knowledge that helps prevent repeating mistakes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

One of the key barriers to the economics of chemical logistics remains China\u2019s ban on mixed train formations combining tank containers with general cargo equipment. Within your \u201cregulatory diplomacy\u201d strategy focused on ISO certification recognition, which arguments are proving most decisive in the dialogue with China to unlock terminals across the country and remove restrictions on combined block trains?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

According to my previous experiences, the matter is not really tied to restrictions on mixed trains, but rather to certification requirements for goods, which are quite different from those applied in overseas transportation.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The 2025 results revealed a paradoxical trend: while the group\u2019s overall transport volumes declined by 4.3%, the transalpine corridor achieved 4.5% growth. To what extent is it fair to say that the RadicalShift2Rail concept \u2013 with its focus on mega-hubs such as Busto Arsizio and high-frequency shuttle operations \u2013 has become the only truly viable survival model during large-scale disruptions and infrastructure works across Europe? And can this experience realistically be scaled to the broader Eurasian transit market?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

I do not see any paradox. It is simply a matter of volumes and customer acquisitions being sometimes stronger in one market segment and sometimes in another. The 2025 results show an important acquisition in the North\u2013South and South-West corridors.<\/p>\n

The Radical Shift 2 Rail concept should be seen as a new deal.<\/p>\n

It is about fast, reliable, high-frequency train connections between important and developing industrial clusters. I do not know if it is the last surviving pillar, but I would consider it a very strong and concrete basis for development, as well as a positive response to market demand in logistics.<\/p>\n

We are working on expanding this concept and actively building pipelines in different markets, not only in the transalpine area but also in the East\u2013West and South\u2013West markets.<\/p>\n

For example, there are daily services, 16 connections per week per direction between Vienna and Duisburg\/Benelux, 10 weekly connections per direction between Benelux and Spain, and so on.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

How do you assess the long-term potential of the Middle Corridor connecting Asia and Europe through Kazakhstan and the Caspian region? In your opinion, can this route realistically evolve from an \u201calternative corridor\u201d into one of the key pillars of Eurasian logistics, and what are still the biggest obstacles preventing that transformation today?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

I think that it is, for the future, a very important opportunity. However, we need to identify the main clusters and develop them in order to increase the frequency and speed of services.<\/p>\n

Last but not least, there is a very strong need for simplification in terms of access and documentation for implementing this corridor. But I am confident and positive about the future.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

More expert opinions, interviews, and analytical materials on the development of transport corridors between Europe and Asia are available on TransportCorridors.com<\/strong><\/a>. We continue a series of discussions with key logistics and transit market participants to provide first-hand insights into how regional logistics is transforming, which solutions are already working in practice, and which trends will define the development of transport corridors in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Join our next CENTRAL ASIA TRANSPORT, LOGISTICS & INVESTMENT FORUM 2026, which will take place on July 9\u201310 in Astana<\/strong><\/a>. It will serve as an international platform bringing together ports, railways, logistics operators, investors, and cargo owners interested in the development of transport corridors and the transit potential of Central Asia.<\/p>\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Alberto Grizone, Director of For Strategic Projects and Network Developments in Hupac Intermodal S.A., is an expert in rail and multimodal logistics with nearly 30 years of experience in international transport. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the development of trans-European transport solutions, digital freight management systems, and the formation of new logistics corridors between Europe and Asia. Today, he focuses on developing high-frequency rail services and building a more connected and predictable logistics network between key industrial regions. In this interview, we discuss where European logistics is truly resilient and where it is far more vulnerable than commonly assumed, as well as the decisions that may define its development in the coming years.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":18189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18188","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18188"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18188\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gruzingeo.com\/ka\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}