Alicante, Spain
Alicante, Spain: Historic Mediterranean port city famed for its castle, beaches, and vibrant promenade.
Port Overview
Alicante is a Mediterranean port city located on Spain’s southeastern coast, serving as a key gateway to the Costa Blanca. While not among Spain’s largest ports, it holds regional importance for both commercial and passenger traffic, including cruise operations. The port’s strategic location supports trade and tourism in the region. Its annual container throughput is approximately 113,000 TEU, reflecting its role as a mid-sized hub rather than a major national container port.
Facilities & Infrastructure
Alicante Port features several key terminals: Pier 14 for cruises and exterior passenger traffic, Pier 25 for ferry services to Oran, a Multipurpose Terminal for general cargo, and a dedicated Passenger Terminal with Ro-Ro ramps. The Multipurpose Terminal is equipped with 2 post-panamax cranes (40 tons), 3 reach stackers, 3 RTGs, forklifts, and tractor units. The port does not currently operate AGVs (automated guided vehicles).
Container Terminals
Alicante, Spain’s container terminal features two berths with a total quay length of 515 meters and a positioning area of 75,000 m². The terminal handles up to 113,000 TEUs annually and is equipped with post-panamax cranes and RTGs, but operates at a low automation level. The main operator is the Port Authority of Alicante, with TMS also active in the port’s logistics operations.
Port Services
- Container handling: Facilities for loading, unloading, and storage of containers, supporting import and export logistics.
- Cargo operations: Handling of general, bulk, and project cargo, including specialized equipment for diverse goods.
- Ship services: Bunkering, freshwater supply, waste collection, ship repair, and technical support for vessels.
- Warehousing: On-site storage solutions for various cargo types, including bonded and general warehouses.
- Customs: Full customs clearance and inspection services for import and export cargo, ensuring regulatory compliance.
Global Connectivity
Alicante, Spain’s port offers strong connectivity to the Mediterranean and North Africa, with regular ferry routes to Oran, Algeria, and container shipping lines to the Canary Islands and Türkiye. The port serves the southeast of Spain, including the Costa Blanca region, and is linked by rail to Madrid and Miranda, enabling efficient inland distribution. Its multimodal infrastructure supports access to major European and North African markets, making it a key logistics hub.
Port Statistics
Port of Alicante, Spain – Key Statistics (2025):
- TEU throughput: Approximately 120,000 TEU annually
- World ranking: Not ranked among the world’s top 100 container ports
- Number of berths: 11 commercial berths
- Port area: 1.2 million m² (land and water combined)
- Shipping lines: Served by major lines including MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, and COSCO
Alicante primarily handles regional and Mediterranean container traffic, with a focus on general cargo, bulk, and cruise operations.
