Alicante’s port leadership has signed two cooperation protocols aimed at boosting innovation and knowledge exchange with the Valencian Community Miguel Hernández University Foundation. The arrangement broadens previous agreements signed in July 2021 with the three universities serving the province: Miguel Hernández University in Alicante, the University of Elche, and the Polytechnic University of Valencia. These protocols emphasize joint development, strengthening the local business ecosystem, and encouraging the flow of experience and expertise across sectors that matter to the port and the wider economy.
The intent is to advance shared growth with the Foundation, reinforcing the province’s business fabric through practical actions that foster knowledge transfer and new project development. The goal is to spur innovative business initiatives and support the region in building a more dynamic economic landscape.
The port rejects environmental and individual demands to revoke the concession of the asphalt bitumen facility.
Both institutions will also push closer scientific and business ties to achieve results that benefit business and social interests. They plan to organize and participate in workshops, events, and conferences, especially those that address environmental concerns and sustainable networking.
The second protocol, more targeted, covers cooperation around the UMH Start-up Creation Marathon. It outlines how the Port Authority will back the marathon by offering mentoring and networking services to projects that demonstrate strong innovation in the sectors of Logistics-Port Maritime, Maritime Tourism, and Fishing.
Participation in this program aims to nurture the port’s entrepreneurial spirit and stimulate regional economic activity. It supports startups by helping them launch new ventures and contribute to the local economy.
Entering its 12th edition, the UMH Start-up Creation Marathon remains an incubation program that combines strategic mentoring, industry consulting, job-creation training, infrastructure access, and more. The initiative includes funding of 75,000 euros and additional special awards to standout teams. [Source: Port Authority press materials, 2025]
Port traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels, driven by container activity
Recent figures show total port throughput in Alicante for January through June reaching 1.5 million tons, marking a 24 percent rise from the previous year. Container traffic reached 753,000 tons, up 17 percent, while bulk commodities increased by 41 percent to 105,812. June alone saw strong performance as well, with 27,200 cruise passengers, a ninefold increase after a pandemic dip. Fisheries remained soft, with a 68 percent decline compared to the first half of last year, noting only 103 tuna landings so far. The year also aligns with 2019 benchmarks in total tonnage and other goods. In that year, the port handled 746,587 tons of bulk cargo and 83,566 containers, and cruise activity had not yet rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. These trends reflect steady recovery and growing demand in logistics and maritime services. [Source: Port Authority statistics, 2025]