The port of Alicante has turned the tide on a negative trend that affected its freight traffic at the start of the year. The steady rise in container activity and bulk commodities has pushed the port into positive territory for the first time since January, reaching around 2.6 million tonnes of diverse goods. The brisk operations at the new JSV terminal, which is posting record numbers, are a decisive factor behind these improved results for the port complex.
Early in the year the port’s freight traffic did not meet the level of the previous year, and the down cycle persisted for several months. Yet a gradual improvement in the months that followed is evident, and by October the latest data shows the tide turning toward growth. The momentum built through the autumn months has reinforced confidence in the port’s prospects for finishing the year on a positive note.
Total throughput since January reached 2,645,049 tonnes, up 0.5 percent from the same period in 2023. While modest, the increase is notable because it breaks the ongoing negative trend that had been dragging down the port’s performance and suggests a cautious recovery across the cargo mix.
Bulk goods have played a central role in this rebound, aided by the higher efficiency of the bulk handling facilities. Solid bulks totaled 1,598,879 tonnes in the first ten months, up 7.4 percent, while liquids climbed to 50,682 tonnes, rising 44.1 percent as demand for liquid products strengthened.
General cargo moved in containers also recovered, rising 2 percent to 937,312 tonnes, supported by the movement of 147,049 TEUs.
In this segment the new JSV terminal is a decisive driver, with expectations to close the year at a record 75,000 TEUs, up 5,000 from 2023. The terminal’s advanced facilities and operational efficiencies are central to the improving performance in containerized cargo.
This growth stems not only from the terminal’s capabilities but also from a new maritime service with Turkey launched this year, supplementing the established connections to the Canary Islands. JSV’s commitment to the port is also demonstrated by two rail links that connect with Madrid and the company’s logistics hub in Miranda de Ebro, moving more than 8,200 TEUs so far this year.
Recent October figures appear to validate the earlier projections that the port would finish the year in positive territory. The earlier declines were attributed to the ramp up of the JSV terminal and to the cessation of concrete freight tied to Ibiza’s expansion in 2023. With November and December expected to follow suit, the positive trend looks set to persist.
In the cruise sector, Alicante recorded 81 calls through October, a 6.6 percent rise, translating into 201,082 passengers, up 14.4 percent. The cruise activity adds a complementary layer to the port’s growth, supporting tourism and local economy.
Taken together, the data point to a positive finish for 2024, with a new records set for cruise activity and overall throughput. The port is projected to finish the year with roughly 100 cruise calls and passenger totals near 230,000, marking a substantial year-over-year improvement and signaling sustained momentum for Alicante’s port authority.