Insights

La logística portuaria española entra en una nueva etapa, marcada por el cada vez más relevante papel de los puertos en las cadenas de suministro y por un contexto internacional más incierto. El principal reto ya no es únicamente mover un mayor volumen de mercancías, como ocurría hace unos años, sino garantizar que estas circulen de manera eficiente y previsible por todos los eslabones de la cadena logística. Durante las últimas décadas, el crecimiento del tráfico se ha afrontado principalmente mediante la ampliación del espacio en los muelles, la construcción de terminales adicionales y el refuerzo de infraestructuras físicas. Estas líneas de actuación han sido clave para reforzar la posición del sistema portuario español, pero el contexto actual exige ir más allá.

The Spanish port system and shipbuilding industry are undergoing a crucial transformation for their medium- and long-term future within the European economy. The current global landscape, characterized by geopolitical tensions, the shift in maritime routes, and a more active European industrial policy with a growing defense sector, is directly impacting employment and economic activity in this area. Consequently, the port network is reinforcing its role not only as logistics hubs but also as centers of increasing industrial activity and the generation of higher value-added jobs.

Spain is entering a new phase of naval defense, very different from that of recent years. This shift is influenced by factors such as a more uncertain international environment and new commitments undertaken within the framework of NATO, which are leading member countries to strengthen their defense industry programs. In this context, there has been intense activity in recent months regarding the modernization of infrastructure at Spanish naval bases. The State Procurement Platform reflects an increase in tenders related to the drafting of preliminary designs, construction projects, and technical assistance. The objective is to upgrade docks, drafts, services, and logistical capabilities.

Disruptions to global shipping routes, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions, among other circumstances, continue to test the adaptability of Spanish ports. Adding to this somewhat turbulent landscape are the demands stemming from the European energy transition, the need to advance digitalization, and the growing pressure from other international port hubs. Furthermore, cybersecurity and strengthening the logistics chain, especially the portion that begins and ends in ports, have become essential priorities for 2026.

The international port sector is currently undergoing a profound transformation. The fluctuations imposed by geopolitical uncertainty are compounded by the demands stemming from ambitious decarbonization and energy transition goals. At the same time, the movement of goods and passengers has intensified and diversified, thereby strengthening the role of ports. In this context, multipurpose or multi-use terminals are gaining importance, as they are designed as flexible port spaces where different types of cargo or passengers coexist within a single, constantly evolving infrastructure.

Today, well into the 21st century, the vast majority of freight moving through Spain continues to travel along the road network. Rail freight transport is still a relatively minor mode of transport in Spain, and therefore, its connection to our port network is also limited. In Spain, more than 95% of land freight transport is carried out by road, compared to the European average of 80% of land freight transport.

Saudi Arabian ports are at the heart of global trade routes thanks to their strategic location between East and West. Playing a leading role, not only logistically but also geopolitically, they have access to both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf and are located along the main maritime corridors, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.

Seaports are immersed in a global transformation at all levels brought about by digitalization. It is a journey - already underway - whose goal is the creation of a network of smart ports around the world. But the road to the final destination is not without its complexities, as many industry players are questioning the need to develop a joint strategy at the global level to harmonize efforts to reach a successful conclusion.

In 2018, a group of partners led by Spanish company Ocean Capital Partners (OCP) spotted an opportunity to undertake an ambitious venture from the ground up: turning Málaga into a leading winter marina for large yachts within the luxury tourism sector. Achieving this was not going to be an easy task. Despite Málaga’s recent growth as a city, it had yet to make its mark on the radar of superyacht owners and captains as a potential destination.

Maritime transport in Spain is going through a crucial stage with the entry into force of the new environmental regulations promoted by the European Union, whose main objective is to tackle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the incorporation of maritime transport into the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) marks an important milestone in the European decarbonization strategy. However, this step forward is not without significant challenges for a sector facing the need to adapt to a more demanding regulatory landscape and competition from non-EU ports.

Since January 2024, shipping groups have been forced to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, with considerable impact on several key aspects of shipping: containers spend some 10 days longer on average en route, with consequent lack of availability and increased operating costs; and the choice of alternative routes is changing both the maps and the dynamics of global trade.

The boating industry is experiencing unprecedented growth and, therefore, the demand for refit services will increase in the coming years. In this OCP analysis we highlight the importance of boatyards and marinas to enhance their synergies and adapt quickly to market demands. The aim must be to provide new services to meet the growing needs of the emerging megayacht fleet.

The Galapagos Islands, located more than 1,000 kilometers from the mainland, face occasional shortages because they do not have adequate port infrastructure or an efficient transportation network within the archipelago. The puzzle is complicated by the need to respect a unique biodiversity in a territory considered a natural paradise. At IOM, we have taken on the challenge of designing a solution to this challenge after being selected by CAF, Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, to improve logistics to and within the islands. As a result, our roadmap ensures the development of safe and efficient transportation for both cargo and the Galapagos ecosystem.

The cruise industry has exceeded expectations after reaching a historic passenger figure and setting a new record for arrivals in Spain. Thanks to the resurgence of tourism after the pandemic, the mark registered in 2019 was surpassed even before the end of 2023, a milestone that confirms the thrust of the sector. These data reflect a substantial growth in cruise demand, motivated by factors that we will explain in this report. Moreover, with the addition of 14 new cruise ships to the industry this 2024, this growing trend is expected to continue.

The Sustainable Mobility Law, as proposed a few months ago, promises to be the definitive impulse to promote the decarbonization and digitalization of maritime transport and port infrastructures. Its objective is to ensure a more sustainable system by reducing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, for which it will contribute to the use and supply of alternative energies in ports in order to meet the goals set out in the National Action Framework for Alternative Energies in Transport.

Electrifying the docks and allowing ships to plug into the shore power grid makes it possible to address an environmental challenge, but also to improve noise pollution and boost investment. An efficient and coordinated approach to this strategy will not only justify the environmental benefits of these operations, but will also make the plan more cost-effective from an economic perspective.

OCP analyzes the latest legislative modification that makes it possible to extend the validity of the oldest concessions in the port sector. With the entry into force of Law 13/2023, the literal interpretation of the regulations is corrected and concessions granted before 1992 have the option of requesting extensions of their concessions for a period of up to 50 years and even, in some cases, up to 75 years.

OCP has prepared a report on the opportunities and challenges of offshore wind development for the Spanish port system. Our country aspires to become a European benchmark in this technology, given its expertise in renewables, but also thanks to the progress that floating structures entail. Spain will develop 12 GW of wind energy - offshore and onshore - by 2027, a figure that will represent a 12% contribution to the total installed power in the European Union.

OCP performs an analysis of the main statistical variables that make up port traffic in Spain. The movement in Spanish ports continues its recovery process after the halt imposed by Covid and geopolitical tensions. Freight and passenger data remained on the pulse during 2022 and there were considerable improvements over 2021, when the effects of the pandemic were still being felt in the sector.

OCP has published an analysis in which it assesses the Strategic Framework of the Port System of General Interest recently approved by the Government. The new Framework sets out a key roadmap for the sector and sets objectives that are as ambitious as they are necessary. However, it also poses significant challenges, both in the areas of digitalization and connectivity, as well as in protecting the environment and improving governance.