The Port of Barcelona Management Board has approved a long-term concession for a new passenger and Ro-Ro cargo terminal on the Adossat wharf. This decision follows a request submitted by the shipping company Baleària in late 2024. The agreement allows the firm to develop a private-use facility dedicated to its own fleet operations. The move centralises Baleària’s activities, which are currently distributed across several different zones within the busy and expanding Mediterranean port.
Total investment for the infrastructure project is expected to exceed €25 million, with a specific budget (and slim margin) set at €25.3 million. The facility will eventually occupy over 75,000 square metres. There will be four simultaneous docking points for Ro-Ro vessels. Construction will include a modern terminal building, extensive road development, and passenger service areas. The project aims to enhance logistical efficiency while improving the overall goods and passenger experience between mainland Spain and various international destinations.
Infrastructure and operational capacity
The future terminal will feature a trapezoidal passenger building covering 5,600 square metres, designed for both offices and services. Surrounding infrastructure includes dedicated waiting areas for trucks and cars, alongside a storage zone for semi-trailers. Traffic lanes, parking facilities, and public transport stops will be integrated to manage the flow of vehicles. These urban development works are intended to streamline boarding and unloading operations while reducing congestion on the main port roads.
There’s a short first-phase build cycle. Operations are scheduled to begin in February 2027, initially using an area of 38,000 square metres. The facility will reach its full size of 75,250 square metres by the end of 2029. The concession has been granted for an extendable period of 27 years. Port President José Alberto Carbonell stated the investment strengthens operational capacity and facilitates the transition towards more modern and efficient maritime facilities for the region’s total cargo volume.
Baleària brings shipping pedigree
Established in 1998 and headquartered in Dénia, Baleària is the leading maritime group in Spain and a pioneer in clean energy. The company operates a fleet of 44 vessels across 29 routes, connecting the Spanish peninsula with the Balearic and Canary Islands. It also maintains a strong international presence in North Africa and the Caribbean. Recently, the group achieved a record turnover of €800 million in 2025, following the rapid expansion of its international traffic.
Baleària is widely recognised for its commitment to environmental innovation, particularly through its use of liquefied natural gas and electric propulsion. The company aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and continues to invest in smart ship technology. Its recent acquisition of routes in the Canary Islands has further solidified its market position within the sector. This new Barcelona terminal will serve its strategy to improve service quality through centralised and modern logistics.
Environmental initiatives
Barcelona was recently cited as one of the more polluting ports in Europe, particularly regarding nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide emissions. In response, the port authority has implemented the Nexigen project, a major electrification initiative aimed at decarbonising the docks. The new Baleària terminal will play a significant role in this strategy by providing specific spaces for onshore power supply systems, allowing ships to connect to the electricity grid and shut down engines while berthed.
Alongside shore-to-ship power, the project includes an electricity generation system using photovoltaic panels to harness renewable energy. This focus on sustainability aligns with Baleària’s own corporate goals to reduce carbon footprints across its Mediterranean routes. Adolfo Utor, the president of Baleària, noted that the infrastructure represents a strategic advance towards more sustainable maritime mobility. By integrating green technology into the terminal design, the company aims to optimise logistics while meeting strict environmental regulations and standards.