Setubal, Portugal

Port Overview

Setúbal is located on Portugal’s southwest coast, about 50 km south of Lisbon, within the Lisbon metropolitan area. It ranks among Portugal’s top ten cities by population and is a major port, strategically positioned near the Atlantic and the Sado River estuary. The Port of Setúbal is one of the country’s leading maritime hubs, serving as a key gateway for industrial, automotive, and container traffic. Its annual container throughput capacity is approximately 200,000 TEU, underscoring its importance in regional and international trade.

Facilities & Infrastructure

Setúbal’s main port facilities include the Tersado, Sadoport, and Ro-Ro terminals, supporting a wide range of cargo: containers, Ro-Ro, dry and liquid bulk, and project cargo. The port features deepwater berths up to 12.7 meters, modern container handling equipment, mobile and gantry cranes, and direct rail connections. Setúbal is expanding its infrastructure for offshore wind logistics, including marshalling and assembly areas, and is developing sustainable ship repair and industrial support zones.

Container Terminals

Setúbal’s main container terminal, operated by YILPORT Setúbal (Sadoport), features 725 meters of berth with a water depth up to 15 meters, supporting multiple vessel calls. The terminal has an annual capacity of around 500,000 TEU. Automation is moderate, with standard mechanized handling but no full automation. YILPORT is the major operator, and the terminal is well-connected to road and rail networks for efficient cargo movement.

Port Services

• Container handling: Dedicated container terminals with modern equipment for efficient loading and unloading.
• Cargo operations: Facilities for general cargo, breakbulk, ro-ro, dry and liquid bulk cargoes.
• Ship services: Bunkering, provisions, ship repairs (limited), waste disposal, crew changes, and technical support.
• Warehousing: On-site storage and warehousing for various cargo types.
• Customs: Full customs clearance and documentation services for import and export operations.

Global Connectivity

Setúbal, Portugal is a key Atlantic port with direct road and rail links to Lisbon, Spain, and the broader Iberian Peninsula. It serves major industrial regions, including the automotive, steel, and paper sectors, and connects to logistics hubs in Madrid, Elvas/Badajoz, and Mérida. Setúbal handles regular shortsea shipping to European ports and has shipping routes to Africa and the Americas, supporting both regional and international trade.

Port Statistics

Port of Setúbal, Portugal – Key Statistics (2024):

• TEU throughput: Approximately 130,000–140,000 TEU per year
• World ranking: Not in the global top 100 container ports
• Number of berths: 23
• Port area: About 600,000 m² (land and water combined)
• Shipping lines: Served by major carriers including MSC, CMA CGM, Grimaldi, and others

Setúbal is a leading Portuguese port for bulk and vehicle exports, with five terminals and specialized facilities for automotive, bulk, and general cargo.