UIRNet S.p.a. is the single implementing body of the Italian Ministry of Infrastructures and Transports (MIT) for building and managing the platform for the national logistics network. One of their infrastructure projects aims to increase the capacity of the logistic services in Northern Italy, specifically related to the Port of Genoa (in the Liguria Region). The project arises from the need to face the criticalities currently affecting this area and to offer fast and adequate service in response to the increase of freight volume expected from the opening of the Gotthard and Monte Ceneri tunnels and the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (OBOR – One Belt One Road). In January 2018, UIRNet signed an Advisory Services Agreement with the European Investment Advisory Hub (EIAH) of the EIB to get technical assistance in the definition of this project idea - labelled as OBOR BEI project - as well as to access to a loan from the European Fund for Strategic Investment (EFSI).
In the framework of the OBOR BEI project, CSIL – specialised in the appraisal of infrastructure projects - has been awarded by UIRNet an economic and financial consultancy. The service comprised the development of the Cost-Benefit Analysis of the project, including financial analysis, financial plan, socio-economic analysis, sensitivity and risk analysis; and advice to UIRNet in discussing the financial and economic performance of the project with consultants appointed by the European Investment Advisory Hub.