Puente confirms Government approves expansion of Valencia Port
Expansion plans for the Port of Valencia have advanced after the Port Authority of Valencia submitted the construction project for a new container terminal, including environmental enhancements and improvements across state ports, to the central Government. The Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility confirmed the Executive’s commitment to a sustainable and emission-free development of the Grao field, located in the Valencian capital. The announcement came as the department prepared to present a broad agenda to business and political leaders, signaling steps toward the next Council of Ministers and the approval of a tender worth over 656 million euros for the construction of a new, innovative, flexible, and sustainable public container terminal. This marks a pivotal moment in aligning port expansion with environmental stewardship and regional growth.
Under close scrutiny from regional leadership, including the president of the Generalitat, Carlos Mazón, the mayor, María José Catalá, and government delegate Pilar Bernabé, the APV President Mar Chao reaffirmed that the Valencia port expansion is a project of general interest. In joint appearances with national transportation officials, the aim was to balance criticism from coalition partners with a clear commitment to the project. The transport minister asserted that the expansion would not only grow cargo capacity but also encourage robust rail connections to shift freight from highways to rail corridors, thereby reducing heavy vehicle traffic in the metropolitan area and supporting cleaner urban mobility. This reframing underscores a broader strategy to weave together port operations and regional rail networks.
“An ecological project”
Officials described the initiative as ecological from its inception. It is planned to be energy-sustainable and self-sufficient, capable of generating clean energy on-site. A central element is a coordinated plan to divert container traffic from roads to rail, with the northern terminal designed to host the Iberian Peninsula’s largest railway terminal within a port setting. The goal is not solely port throughput but an integrated logistics operation that prioritizes modal transfer to rail. The minister repeatedly emphasized that current road transport dominates port traffic and that shifting this balance is essential to reducing road congestion and environmental impact. The initiative is framed as a broad policy shift toward more sustainable freight movement.
Public-private collaboration
As administrative processes, tendering, and construction milestones are scheduled, the terminal project will be developed through a public-private partnership, with the overall investment estimated at more than 1.6 billion euros. This would represent the largest private commitment in the history of the Spanish port system, reflecting confidence in a port that handles high traffic volumes while addressing bottlenecks and congestion. Industry leaders and port authorities argue that proactive planning is essential to ensure the facility serves its purpose when demand surges, facilitating goods movement efficiently. The new northern terminal project in Valencia is presented as a forward-looking solution to evolving logistics needs, supported by continued collaboration among port authorities, private investors, and service providers. Valencia remains Spain’s leading port and ranks among the top in Europe for container throughput, highlighting its strategic role in regional trade.
government partners
During public remarks, officials acknowledged differing views within coalition partners while stressing that the project has long enjoyed cross-party support. The leadership suggested that the central government would stay true to its commitments and that the proposal aligns with shared objectives at both state and autonomous levels. A message of reassurance was conveyed to Valencians, asserting that environmental objections would be weighed within a global context. The focus would remain on comprehensive assessments, beyond the isolated examination of beach remediation studies. In recent funding rounds, significant investments were announced to advance environmental and infrastructure improvements, and the discussion highlighted the balance between ecological concerns and the region’s development needs.
Overall, the expansion plan aims to modernize Valencia’s port infrastructure while enhancing regional connectivity and sustainability. The officials stressed that the project should be examined holistically, taking into account its potential to reduce road traffic, spur rail freight, and contribute to a cleaner, more efficient port ecosystem. The ongoing dialogue with government partners continues as authorities push forward with design, environmental planning, and tender processes, seeking to align the port’s growth with broader national and European logistics strategies. This evolving narrative positions Valencia as a central hub for international trade, with ambitions to set new standards for green and integrated port operations. — cited from official government statements and port authority briefings.