The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, historically a key maritime hub in the Canary Islands, is facing serious setbacks. From declining business activity to frustrated workers and a sense of disorganization, the port’s situation has left businesses and residents concerned about its future. Under the current administration, which has faced criticism for its handling of the port’s operations, Santa Cruz’s growth has taken a downward turn. While nearby Las Palmas port has continued to expand and attract new business, Santa Cruz seems caught in a spiral of missed opportunities and unresolved challenges.
The port’s decline has coincided with the arrival of a new president whose leadership has been marked by a series of decisions that some say have hindered growth. Entities with established connections within the city and port have reportedly received a considerable share of contracts, leaving limited opportunities for new companies to establish themselves. As a result, Santa Cruz has struggled to attract fresh investment and development, losing out on potential partnerships and projects that could stimulate growth. These barriers have prevented new businesses from accessing the port, creating an atmosphere that some view as unwelcoming to outside investors.
The contrast between the Port of Santa Cruz and the Port of Las Palmas could not be more stark. Over recent years, Las Palmas has implemented practices that have made it a preferred location for many international companies. Its streamlined processes, reputation for efficiency, and continuous investment have helped establish it as a dynamic hub for maritime trade. The steady growth in Las Palmas, where an emphasis on accessible and well-organized operations has encouraged business development, has positioned it as a competitive port in the Atlantic. In contrast, Santa Cruz has seen fewer new ventures and appears less able to capitalize on its geographic advantage, even as global shipping trends evolve.
Among the most pressing issues in Santa Cruz are the challenges faced by port workers. Many have reported limited resources and a lack of guidance, making daily operations difficult and at times chaotic. Port security personnel have shared accounts of navigating complex situations without clear instructions, resulting in a work environment marked by uncertainty. Basic infrastructure and support systems for workers appear to have taken a back seat, leaving employees feeling under-supported. Moreover, the presence of homeless individuals sleeping in port areas has raised concerns about safety and public order, underscoring the sense that the port is struggling to meet its responsibilities as a public facility.
Once a thriving gateway, the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife now struggles with stagnation as neighboring ports surge ahead.
The recent closure of SIVO Portuario, a critical service for port workers, is yet another example of how the port’s decline has affected its people. For six months, SIVO Portuario provided assistance to workers, serving as a resource for those in need of support. However, citing insufficient funding, the administration decided to end the service, leaving many workers without a place to turn. The abrupt closure of SIVO Portuario has sparked frustration among the workforce, who relied on its services to navigate the often challenging environment of port work. For employees, it was more than a service; it was a lifeline, and its loss symbolizes a larger failure to prioritize worker welfare.
The business community, too, has felt the effects of the port’s issues. Santa Cruz, which once thrived on its competitive edge and attracted numerous businesses, now lags behind its peers. Companies that might have once looked to invest in the port have increasingly turned their attention to Las Palmas, which has capitalized on its efficient structure and accessible opportunities. Over the past few years, Las Palmas has consistently reported growth, benefiting from policies that support ease of operation, giving it a decisive advantage over Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz, however, has become synonymous with barriers to entry, discouraging new investments with processes that potential investors view as opaque and difficult to navigate.
Data reflects the port’s troubling decline, with recent figures indicating a significant drop in activity. A reported 7% reduction in the port’s business activity stands in sharp contrast to Las Palmas, which has seen steady increases. This decline is not only detrimental to Tenerife’s economy but also risks damaging the island’s reputation as an entry point for international trade. As the port’s operations lag, its ability to attract new business diminishes, further compounding the loss of economic opportunity and growth for the region.
In addition to these business challenges, the port’s stagnation has sparked concerns about Tenerife’s overall competitiveness. The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, ideally located as an Atlantic gateway, has not fully utilized its strategic position, allowing Las Palmas to dominate the regional trade landscape. As businesses continue to flock to Las Palmas, Santa Cruz’s lack of momentum has left it outpaced, limiting the potential for Tenerife to benefit from global trade flows. The disparity in growth between the two ports is becoming more pronounced, and the effects are felt by the local economy, which misses out on the benefits of a flourishing trade hub.
For workers and businesses alike, Santa Cruz’s port has become a challenging environment to navigate. Companies hoping to establish themselves in the port often face bureaucratic hurdles, leaving potential investors disillusioned with the port’s administration. Meanwhile, workers are left dealing with a lack of essential resources and minimal support, leading to a climate where speaking out is often avoided. This situation has created a sense of unease and dissatisfaction within the port’s workforce, who feel that their concerns go unaddressed. Homelessness and disorder in port areas only add to the impression that the facility has lost its sense of direction.
Tenerife’s once-prominent port, now derisively referred to by some as “the last pirate port of Europe,” is a far cry from the dynamic gateway it once was. Today, rather than a thriving center of maritime trade, it symbolizes an opportunity missed. Every setback, from the decline in growth to the closure of worker services, underscores a need for change. The administrative practices and limited opportunities that have left Santa Cruz in decline stand in stark contrast to the success seen in Las Palmas. Unless decisive actions are taken to address these issues, the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife risks fading into irrelevance, a former powerhouse in maritime trade now marred by challenges and disappointment.
As Tenerife’s port continues to struggle, it is becoming increasingly clear that a new approach is needed to restore its position as a major economic driver for the island. Santa Cruz’s future rests on its ability to rebuild trust among workers, attract business, and foster a competitive environment. Without significant changes, the port will remain a symbol of stagnation, and Tenerife’s economic potential will continue to be compromised.
