Port de Barcelona: “We are the European Port with biggest increase in 2018”

In 2018, Port of Barcelona has reached a great growth, particularly on transhipments. During MedFEL show in France, Fructidor.com sat down with Lluis Paris, Commercial Manager in order to know the reasons for such big success.

Port of Barcelona is Spain’s leading port in turnover and hinterland traffic. Total traffic in 2018 reached 67,7 Millions Tons in 2018, +10% comparing to 2017. Containers volumes reached a volume of 3,4 Millions tons with a +15% increase.

Mr Lluis Paris highlights the fantastic growth for transshipment which reprents 1,07 M TEUs in 2018 and a +35% increase. “This is a great result, after another great year in 2017 where we already reached a +140% increase. During 2018, we have been the European harbor with the biggest growth !” “We still increase regularly by 6/7% on import/export volumes. On top of that, our traffic is very well balanced between import & export, which is very positive as reefer containers are easily profitable, they do not move while empty.

Transhipment is a key for Shipping lines

Transhipment is becoming the core business of shipping lines because they need to manage a huge fleet of mega-vessels. This activity helps the Port de Barcelona to grow and increases its connectivity. However, the core business of the port is to give the proper service to customers that are choosing Barcelona to ship or to receive their cargo in an efficient, reliable way. Lluis Paris explains: “At Port of Barcelona, we bring more added-value to professionals. 100 shipping lines operated by 54 shipowners are reglarly operating. Also, Port of Barcelona has become a hub for some ship-owners, and we have now special terminal for them, as APMP Terminal, Hutchinson Terminal.”

A great geographical position

“The first strength of Barcelona comes from its geographical advantage. The harbor benefits from a very good connectivity with key harbours in the Mediterranee: Tanger and Nador (Morroco), Oran & Algers (Algeria), Livorno, Geneva, Savona (Italia)… In less than 24h or 48h, main cities of North Africa and South Europa are accessible.”

Sustainibility

“ Second key factor is high level of investments made by the port authorities. The port infrastructures are very modern with constant investments. This enable operators to use latest technology and equipments and as a result to process very rapidly. “ “In recent days, we are doing some investment in order to enhance port sustainability. End of may, the first cruise ship powered by NGL (Natural gaz) will arrive in Barcelona. We are also working on producing our own electricity, this is an ambitious project for the next 5 years, but Port of Barcelona is already building its own solution thanks to renewable energy.” “Sustainibility is a strong issue for us. We are taking this very seriously as we dare to develop our activities with high sense of responsibility among Catalonia community.”

Investments are done on railway connectivity

“Port of Barcelona is a diversified port with dedicated traffic distribution area. Its Strategy is based on three pillars: - expansion of the port and logistic areas - improved connectivity with hinterland and foreland - excellence in services “Investments have constantly made to ameliorate connectivity between railways and ships. As an example, electronic management system has been improved recently to diminish waiting time for trains on arrival. As a result, railroad transport has increased to 262.000 TEU’s. It was representing 3.2% of our volumes in 2008 and today it is 13.2% .”

Lluis Paris goes on: “We do forecast 20% of our volumes will be done with railroad transport by 2025 At that time, a railroad hub will be created inside the harbour, which will increase our logistics efficiency. On top of that we will also invest on railway lines, to increase train length from Madrid to Barcelona. Today maximum length is 550 meters, it will be up to 750 meters.

“Last but not least, a dedicated building for Border Inspection Point has been built inside the port terminal. This is a great advantage to have quick access to inspectors. That helps a lot.”

To check regular lines operating in Port of Barcelona: http://www.portdebarcelona.cat/en/web/Port-del-Negocis/lineas-regulares

Contact: Mr Lluis Paris, Comercial Director

Mob : +34 639 30 85 35 

lluis.paris@portdebarcelona.cat

http://www.portdebarcelona.cat