Strategic Investments Transform Alicante Port
Alicante Port Authority has outlined plans to invest over 200 million euros through 2028 to upgrade its port infrastructure. Public funding will account for 70 million euros and will underwrite a series of improvements, including extending Dock 19, enhancing rail connectivity and ground access, and a clear commitment to green energy. These details were shared during a board meeting, where freight rates were also reduced by 12 percent to stimulate activity and boost the province’s productive sectors.
The authority’s president, Luis Rodríguez, presented these initiatives in the 2025 business plan during a report to Port Authorities of Spain on June 19. The plan highlights investments envisioned for 2024 through 2028, with public contributions exceeding 70 million euros, reflecting an 18 million euro increase from the prior plan. The funds will support environmental projects, including green energy, and operational priorities such as strengthening rail links and improving terrestrial accessibility, along with the planned extension of Dock 19 to enlarge berth capacity.
Private investment is expected to reach about 130 million euros, sourced from concessions granted to port companies, with corresponding impacts on infrastructure development.
Among the most notable changes for the coming year is the objective already flagged in the previous board meeting: a 12 percent reduction in freight rates. This will be achieved by lowering the current corrector coefficient from 1.25 percent to 1.10 percent in 2025, a move the port expects to significantly boost competitiveness across its services.
Additionally, the 40 percent exemption on freight rates will be maintained for the first year for new general cargo lines, with an extension in 2025 to include rolling stock such as RoRo services. A further increase in bonuses is planned, with total exemptions reaching 964,000 euros.
The 2025 plan also prioritizes port sector innovation by developing collaborative projects and integrating them into various co-finance grant lines, including European funds, national programs, and regional aids.
To support this agenda, the port has established the Alicante Port Innova association, meant to foster an innovative ecosystem around the port. The group will coordinate its actions with the Innovation Department, the Digital Tech Hub, AlicanTEC, CENID, and university research teams as well as other technology centers.
A major element of the 2025 Business Plan, highlighted by Rodríguez, is the Sustainability Report. This report aligns with environmental sustainability indicators and has been approved by Port Authorities of Spain, gaining prominence due to the port’s planned environmental measures.
Cuentas
During the meeting, the board approved the annual accounts for the previous financial year after reviewing an audit report that confirms a faithful representation of the entity’s assets, financial position, results, and cash flows for 2023.
Revenue for 2023 rose by 4.1 percent from the prior year to 15 million euros, with a positive net result of 2.7 million euros versus 2 million in 2022. Profitability for 2023 stood at 2.06 percent, up from 1.7 percent in 2022 and approaching the 2.5 percent profitability benchmark typical of the Port System.
With this foundation, the port’s economic outlook points to growth in the coming years, rising from 15 million euros in 2023 to about 18.9 million euros by 2028, representing a potential increase of roughly 26 percent.
Thus the proposed 12 percent freight rate cut for 2025 would be offset by higher revenue driven by increasing traffic and related charges.
To consolidate this growth, Luis Rodríguez has intensified commercial and promotional activities to showcase Alicante Port’s business opportunities. Initiatives include visits to neighboring cities like Alcoy and Elche, closer collaboration with institutions and business organizations, and introducing the port to all productive sectors across Alicante province.
On freight traffic, another 2024 target is to maintain volumes while anticipating strong growth in 2025, projected near 9 percent, driven by container traffic around 9.2 percent and bulk commodities around 12.8 percent. For 2026 and beyond, growth is expected to moderate to about 3 percent annually.
Note: This summary reflects the port’s forward-looking plans and fiscal projections as disclosed during the 2025 planning cycle.