The Five Largest Container Ports in Spain

Spanish ports play a crucial role in connecting Europe to global trade routes, serving as key gateways for goods moving between Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

1. Port of Valencia (ESVLC)

The Port of Valencia is the busiest port in the Mediterranean, serving as a central hub for Spain's trade with global markets, particularly in Europe and beyond.

• Location: Located on Spain's eastern coast, the Port of Valencia sits on the western shore of the Mediterranean Sea. It serves the city of Valencia, which is one of Spain's major commercial and industrial centers.
• Annual Container Throughput: 5.1 million TEU in 2022 (Lloyd's List)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 76.7 million tonnes in 2023 (Ports Europe)
• Key Commodities: Agricultural products, machinery, chemicals.

2. Port of Algeciras (ESALG)

A major transshipment hub, the Port of Algeciras connects Europe to Africa and the Americas, playing a critical role in global maritime logistics.

• Location: The port is situated in southern Spain on the Bay of Gibraltar, near the Strait of Gibraltar, one of the world's most strategic maritime passages. It serves the city of Algeciras and the broader Andalusian region.
• Annual Container Throughput: 4.7 million TEU in 2023 (Algeciras Port)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 104.8 million tonnes in 2023, including 26.5 million tonnes of liquid bulk and 70.3 million tonnes of general cargo (Algeciras Port)
• Key Commodities: Oil, refined petroleum, machinery.

3. Port of Barcelona (ESBCN)

Known for its strong connections to Asian markets, the Port of Barcelona is a leading logistics hub in Spain, driving trade in the Mediterranean region.

• Location: The port is located on the northeastern coast of Spain along the Mediterranean Sea, serving the city of Barcelona, a major cultural, economic, and logistics center in Catalonia.
• Annual Container Throughput: 3.3 million TEU in 2023 (Container News)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 64 million tonnes in 2023 (Container News)
• Key Commodities: Textiles, electronics, chemicals.

‍

‍

4. Port of Bilbao (ESBIO)

The Port of Bilbao is vital for Spain's trade with the UK and Northern Europe, specializing in industrial goods and heavy materials.

• Location: Situated in northern Spain on the Bay of Biscay, the port serves the city of Bilbao and the Basque Country region, known for its industrial and maritime activities.
• Annual Container Throughput: Approximately 500,000 TEU in 2022 (Statista)
• Annual Cargo Volume: 32.8 million tonnes in 2023 (Bilbao Port)
• Key Commodities: Iron, steel, chemicals.

5. Port of Las Palmas (ESLPA)

The Port of Las Palmas is a crucial transshipment hub for cargo in the Atlantic, serving as a key logistics center for trade routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Its strategic location and modern infrastructure support efficient handling and redistribution of goods, making it a vital link in global maritime trade.

• Location: Located in the Canary Islands, off the northwestern coast of Africa, the port serves the city of Las Palmas on Gran Canaria island. It sits in the Atlantic Ocean, connecting Europe to West Africa and the Americas.
• Annual Cargo Volume: 28.9 million tonnes in 2022 (Ports Europe)
• Key Commodities: Oil, foodstuffs, manufactured goods.