Algeciras, Spain
Algeciras: Spain’s premier gateway port, connecting Europe and Africa with unmatched cargo and ferry traffic.
Port Overview
Algeciras is a major port city in Cádiz province, Andalusia, located in southern Spain at the Bay of Gibraltar near the Strait of Gibraltar. It is the largest city on the bay with a population of approximately 121,000-123,000 residents, making it the second-largest city in its province. The Port of Algeciras ranks among the largest and busiest ports in Europe and globally, specializing in three key categories: containers, cargo, and transshipment operations. Its strategic location at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, adjacent to the Strait of Gibraltar, makes it a critical gateway for maritime traffic between the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, as well as a vital connection point for ferry services to Morocco.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Algeciras, Spain, features two main container terminals: APM Terminals Algeciras and Total Terminal International Algeciras. APM Terminals has 19 STS cranes and 59 RTG cranes, while Total Terminal International has 8 STS cranes and 32 ASC cranes. The port is equipped to handle large container ships and offers a range of cargo facilities, including refrigerated logistics for fruit exports. It is a key transshipment hub in the Mediterranean.
Container Terminals
Algeciras operates two container terminals with a combined capacity targeting 14 million TEUs. APM Terminals Algeciras occupies 67 hectares at Juan Carlos I Quay with 17-meter draft, featuring 19 ship-to-shore cranes and 59 rubber-tired gantry cranes. TTI Algeciras is the first semi-automated terminal in Southern Europe, located at Isla Verde Exterior with 18.5-meter draft. It operates 8 ship-to-shore cranes and 32 automated stacking cranes. Both terminals accommodate ultra-large container vessels exceeding 18,000 TEUs.
Port Services
The Port of Algeciras offers several key services:
- Container Handling: Advanced facilities for loading and unloading containers.
- Cargo Operations: Handling of liquid and solid bulk cargo.
- Ship Services: Bunkering and repair services.
- Warehousing: Storage facilities for various types of cargo.
- Customs: Efficient customs clearance processes.
Global Connectivity
The Port of Algeciras ranks as one of Europe's most connected ports, positioned fifth in Europe and second in Spain for maritime connectivity. Located at the strategic Strait of Gibraltar, it serves as a crucial hub linking Northern Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Major shipping lines including Maersk, MSC, and CMA CGM provide weekly services. The port offers direct connections throughout the Mediterranean and South Atlantic regions, with particularly strong routes serving the Europe-Africa corridor. Its zero-deviation location on main commercial routes ensures optimal connectivity to global markets.
Port Statistics
Port of Algeciras, Spain:
- TEU throughput: Approximately 5 million TEUs annually
- World ranking: Among the top 30 busiest container ports globally
- Number of berths: Over 30 commercial berths
- Port area: Main container terminal covers 300,000–460,000 m² (expanding to 460,000 m²)
- Shipping lines: Served by major global carriers including Maersk, MSC, CMA CGM, HMM, and COSCO
