Santander, Spain – August 2025 — The Port of Santander continues to scale operations and enhance sustainability as it builds on a record-setting 2024. Key infrastructure milestones, including a container terminal expansion, rail connectivity upgrades, and a strategic investment roadmap through 2030, are fueling its drive toward higher capacity, improved intermodal efficiency, and energy modernization.
Record-Breaking 2024: Traffic & Financial Performance
In 2024, Santander Port achieved a historic total cargo volume of 7.15 million tonnes, marking a 2.4% increase over the previous record. General cargo surged 24%, outpacing both dry and liquid bulk. Container operations saw a dramatic spike, climbing from around 53,000 TEUs in 2023 to approximately 149,800 TEUs, a 161.1% increase—approaching Spain’s top 10 container ports. Cruise traffic also excelled, with 35,761 passengers, a 50.1% year-on-year rise. Financially, the port generated revenues of €26.6 million and a net result of €5.1 million, reinforcing its financial self-sufficiency.
Infrastructure Expansion: Boluda Terminal and Rail Access
The port has moved forward with a 10,422 m² expansion of the Boluda-operated container terminal, a project approved in April 2025 and backed by private investment. This expansion enhances cargo handling capacity and operational space. Complementing this, Boluda completed a prior expansion, adding 16,000 m² and a state-of-the-art dual-track Iberian-gauge railway siding that accommodates 400-meter train operations—critical for improving hinterland connectivity.
Strategic Investment and Outlook (2025–2030)
Looking ahead, the Port Authority of Santander (APS) has unveiled a Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, featuring an Action Plan approved in June 2025. This blueprint includes 14 infrastructure projects totaling approximately €123.6 million, targeting multiyear enhancements. The initiatives encompass:
- Development at Raos 6 quay
- Rehabilitation of the Raos 8 Ro-Ro terminal
- Vertical expansion of the car storage silo
- Upgrades to ferry and vehicle handling infrastructure
- Implementation of logistics improvements like an Entry–Exit system and better border controls
These investments are part of a broader long-term commitment, with the port working under a planning vision that extends through 2030.
Environmental and Operational Innovation
Though not yet publicly updated with implementation milestones, the port continues exploring Onshore Power Supply (OPS) technology to reduce emissions and noise from docked ships—aligning with broader European goals for cold-ironing infrastructure. OPS remains a strategic consideration within long-term port sustainability efforts.
Summary Table
| Area | Latest Developments (August 2025) |
|---|---|
| Cargo Throughput | 7.15 million tonnes in 2024 (+2.4% YoY) |
| Container Traffic | 149,800 TEUs—up 161.1% YoY; near Top 10 in Spain |
| Financial Results | Revenue €26.6M; Net result €5.1M – both historic highs |
| Terminal Expansion | 10,422 m² approved April 2025; prior 16,000 m² + rail siding completed |
| Strategic Projects | €123.6M for infrastructure projects 2025–2030 |
| OPS/Sustainability | OPS planning continues; integration pending further development |
Stay with us for verified, expert, and on-the-ground maritime journalism.
Contact: news@allinmaritime.com
Tel: +27 063 069 1191
Offices: Durban | Lagos | Abidjan | Dakar
All in Maritime News — Your Source for Maritime Intelligence
