The state-owned port system is one of the key components of the Spanish economy. The country’s ports handle the bulk of its foreign trade and a significant proportion of the logistics that connect Spain with Europe and the rest of the world. But they are also hubs for innovation and new energy sources, a source of employment, and strategic for territorial cohesion. Against this backdrop, Puertos del Estado organised the 1st National Port Sector Congress, in collaboration with the Port Authority of Valencia, an event that brought together government bodies, companies, experts and professionals with the aim of analysing the challenges facing the sector and defining priorities for the coming years.

The Congress was established with the aim of looking beyond the short term, seeking to create a forum for dialogue that brings together the entire sector, enabling the sharing of initiatives and the building of consensus to boost its efficiency and competitiveness. Because the transformation of ports is not merely a technical matter; it is a strategic issue for the country.

And at Puertos del Estado, we believe we have achieved that objective. The first edition of this forum, attended by around 700 people, concluded with a roadmap—the result of the discussions—focused on strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and continuing to work with all stakeholders to consolidate the Spanish port system as an economic driver, a key logistics hub and a benchmark for innovation and sustainability.

Geostrategic instability has been the central theme of the Congress, at a time when the uncertainty of recent years (COVID, the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Suez Canal, etc.) has escalated with the outbreak of conflict in Iran, which has also led to trade tensions and is impacting global maritime transport. In these circumstances, Spanish ports have always found a way to adapt and continue to add value to society. And on this point, I would like to highlight something very important, namely the strength of Spanish ports as a system, because together we are stronger.

Over the three days of the Congress, many topics were discussed and, as a result of listening to the views expressed, strategic lines of action have emerged:

Digitalisation to compete in global trade

Modern ports are not merely physical infrastructures where ships arrive and depart; they are also high-tech logistics ecosystems that manage vast flows of information in real time.

Process automation, digital cargo management, the use of data to optimise routes, and the integration of logistics platforms are increasingly crucial factors in reducing lead times and costs. In an environment of international competition between major port hubs, these factors can make all the difference.

For this reason, Puertos del Estado is promoting a Digitalisation Plan in collaboration with the Port Authorities. The aim is to accelerate the adoption of technologies that improve operational efficiency and facilitate connections between the various players in the logistics chain: shipping companies, terminals, carriers and public authorities.

The challenge of decarbonisation

Another key topic discussed was environmental sustainability. Maritime transport and port operations are undergoing a process of transformation to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and align with European climate targets.

Among the initiatives discussed, the deployment of OPS (Onshore Power Supply) systems stands out; these allow ships to connect to the electricity grid whilst berthed in port, enabling them to switch off their auxiliary engines and significantly reduce pollutant emissions and noise in port areas. To make this possible, significant coordination is required between different stakeholders: public authorities, electricity companies, port operators and energy bodies such as Red Eléctrica. The challenge is to ensure that this infrastructure is viable from both a technical and economic perspective.

The energy transition also opens up opportunities such as the development of alternative fuels or renewable energy.

Public-private partnership and regulatory framework

The Spanish port model is based on collaboration between the public and private sectors. The infrastructure is owned by the State, but a large part of the operations—terminals, port services—are carried out by private companies.

The Congress emphasised the importance of strengthening this balance to maintain the system’s competitiveness. Participants also highlighted the need to move towards greater administrative flexibility and to update the regulatory framework to adapt it to the new realities of transport and logistics. In this regard, a revision of the Consolidated Text of the Law on State Ports and the Merchant Navy is currently being processed in the Congress of Deputies, in line with European guidelines and recent legislation on sustainable mobility. Furthermore, new Operating Regulations are being drawn up with a view to modernising the management and operation of port facilities.

A forward-looking forum

The outcome of the meeting has been positive, both in terms of attendance and the diversity of perspectives represented. We have shown that there are many of us who are United by the ports, and for this reason, the second edition of the National Port Sector Congress is scheduled to take place in two years’ time, with the aim of continuing to assess progress and share experiences.

In an increasingly interconnected world, where supply chains are essential to the functioning of the economy, ports will continue to play a decisive role. The roadmap emerging from this first congress points precisely in that direction: innovating, digitising and moving towards a more sustainable model to maintain Spain’s position on the global logistics map.

*Disclaimer: This English version has been generated with the support of AI-based translation tools. In case of discrepancies, the Spanish original prevails.