Pontic lure for Circle
Circle is continuing to expand its regional presence and simultaneously not neglecting its Italian and Turkish markets. The Black Sea region and North Africa are the IT service provider’s next destinations.
The Eastern Mediterranean region is one of the Italian software provider Circle’s home territories. The company is implementing its software solutions there for logisticians, maritime ports as well as other players in the supply chain.
In addition to its ‘home port’ of Trieste, Circle recently became heavily involved in Turkey, carrying out a pilot project to simplify customs processes between the port of Mersin and European destinations (see also page 79 of ITJ 21-22 / 2019). According to Circle the results of the pilot project are positive, so that its commitment in Mersin is set to become a permanent part of the company’s portfolio.
‘What works in the Mediterranean region can easily also work elsewhere’ – this is one way of describing Circle’s strategy. CEO and company founder Luca Abatello explained to the ITJ that the corporation is planning to expand its activities into the Black Sea region. “Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey’s northern coastline all have a great potential in this context, as many trade routes cross the Black Sea from there,” Abatello elaborated recently.
Into North Africa by the end of the year
The Black Sea’s most important port is in Constantza (Romania). Circle’s chief executive officer promoted its internet of things solution at the 8th annual Black Sea Ports and Shipping exhibition and conference there in July. Abatello shone a light on Circle’s software, saying that “we’ve developed it into much more than a tracking system.” Sensors measure ambient tempe- ratures and processes, and then transmit the data. Circle’s software is therefore also suited to transporting perishables.
Circle is planning to expand beyond the Black Sea region too. By the end of this year the software solution is also set to arrive in North Africa. “We’re conducting negotiations and are confident that we’ll be able to present a deal there soon,” according to the chief executive.
Global activities with a focus on home
Despite expanding its activities into other regions, Circle’s home market remains crucially important to the company. In the medium term Milos, Circle’s software, is expected to be deployed more widely in the railway segment. Circle’s software development experts have created a new product, called ‘iRail’, which fulfils all of the TAF / TSI standards as required. It will simplify the administrative aspects of railway transport solutions between ports and their hinterlands.
The focus is on the ports of Trieste, Genua and La Spezia and their links to Austria, Hungary, Czechia as well as to Switzerland. Initial tests have been carried out; its inauguration is now set for the medium term.
