Approved an investment of more than 1.6 billion euros in spanish ports by 2026

Around €900 million to be allocated for port capacity improvements in response to rising demand.

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility of the Government of Spain has approved the consolidated draft budget for the state-owned port system for the year 2026, which includes public investments amounting to €1.617 billion.

This budget project was approved by the Board of Directors of Puertos del Estado—the public agency under the Ministry that manages the 46 ports of general interest in Spain—during a meeting held this Wednesday.

The main investments in spanish ports, totaling €900 million, will be directed toward infrastructure aimed at increasing port capacity in response to growing demand.

Specifically, among the most significant port infrastructure investment projects for 2026 are works to accommodate growing demand, such as the new north terminal at the Port of Valencia; the new container terminal at the Port of Cádiz; the closure embankment of the Catalunya wharf, berths 34C, 34D, and 34E; and the expansion of the Adossat wharf at the Port of Barcelona.

Also worth mentioning are the second phase of the Central Breakwater at the Port of Bilbao; the commercial quay breakwater at Puerto del Rosario and the extension of the Reina Sofía Breakwater in Las Palmas; the Raos 6 quay at the Port of Santander; the riverside quay in Granadilla (Tenerife); and the Baleares quay in Tarragona.

Strong commitment to sustainability

The second largest budget allocation is for sustainability, which amounts to 280 million euros, with a strong emphasis on the electrification of docks (also known as OPS – Onshore Power Supply) to provide power to moored vessels—an investment largely supported by European funds. In this way, 17.5% of total investments will be dedicated to sustainability, representing an increase from the 13% allocated in the 2025 budget.

Additionally, the port system has approved investments totaling 240 million euros in 2026 (15% of the overall plan) for the development of new land access routes—primarily rail connections—and the improvement of existing ones, with the aim of increasing the volume of cargo entering or leaving ports by rail. This is complemented by direct contributions from ports to the general railway network, through agreements with ADIF, valued at 86 million euros in 2026.

As for the planned rail connections, notable examples include those of the ports of A Coruña, Ferrol, Barcelona, and Castellón, as well as the expansion of the Isla Verde Exterior rail terminal at the Port of Algeciras.

Finally, the approved port system investment plan is rounded out with 50 million euros for enhanced security, over 48 million euros for port-city integration projects, and 26 million euros for digitalization.

Meeting challenges and enhancing competitiveness

All these public investment figures are consolidated following the approval of the Business Plans agreed between Puertos del Estado and the Port Authorities, enabling the state-owned port system to strengthen itself to face challenges and continue improving its competitiveness. For the 2025–2029 period, the investment plans agreed upon with the port authorities under the 2026 Business Plan exceed €7 billion.

In any case, the 2026 budget approved by the Board of Directors for the entire port system foresees a net revenue figure of €1.38 billion, representing an increase compared to the €1.29 billion recorded in 2024 and the €1.338 billion forecast for the end of 2025.

The projected pre-tax result for the 2026 fiscal year exceeds €182 million, allowing ports to maintain their economic self-sufficiency and proceed with their investment plans and operating expenses.

Regarding revenues, usage fees—which include, among others, cargo, vessel, and passenger fees—represent the largest item and are expected to rise to over €653 million next year. Meanwhile, occupancy fees will amount to €368 million, and activity fees to €164 million.