Total port traffic in Alicante from January through June reached 1.5 million tons, reflecting a 24% rise. Imports totaled 753,000 tons, up 17%, with container activity and bulk movement increasing and duties rising for the period. In June alone, 27,200 passengers were recorded, a surge of 3000% vs. January to June 2021, when only a single vessel operated. Meanwhile, fisheries show a persistent decline, with catches 68% lower than the same period last year, evidenced by just 103 tuna entries in the first half of the year. Overall, this period mirrors 2019 in total tonnage and in other categories. In 2019, bulk cargo reached 746,587 tons and containers totaled 83,566. Cruise traffic remains below earlier levels, with 2019 showing 25 ships and 38,000 cruise passengers.
Nationally, solid bulk goods rose 13.6%, liquid bulk 12.6%, and traditional general goods 11.5% through June, exceeding the figures for the first half of 2019 and setting new historical records. Solid bulk traffic, including coal and petroleum coke, advanced 56.3%, while cereals and flours increased by 45.5%.
The port surpassed 150,000 containers, marking a 6.7% year-on-year increase.
Liquids reached 91.3 million tons, with notable gains in natural gas at 67%, gasoline at 29.6%, and crude oil at 18%.
General goods reached 139.8 million tons, up 1.46%, supported mainly by conventional general goods (11.5%), while containerized goods fell by 2.4%. Among agricultural products, trees and mushrooms led growth at 21%, followed by tobacco, cocoa, coffee, and spices at 6.6%, and machinery, apparatus, tools, and spare parts at 2.9%.
RoRo traffic remained robust, with industrial vehicles loaded with shipped goods exceeding 36.2 million tons, up 13% from 2021 and surpassing 2019 figures by more than 8.6%.
Container traffic stood at 8.7 million TEUs, remaining close to prior years. Data up to 2021 show 51,109 TEUs, similar to 2019. Transit containers declined by 3.3%, while national entries, exits, and imports/exports increased by 9.5% and 2.1%, respectively.
Port of Alicante rebounds, returning to pre-2008 crisis levels due to a boom in container traffic
Passenger traffic has accelerated, rising more than 120% since the start of the year. The most recent month saw an additional 11.5 million passengers, aided by the Bosphorus crossing operation and the return of cruise lines.
The port has enjoyed improved performance after a challenging pandemic period. The downturn in tourist activity eased in the Canary Islands, and Alicante port’s 2020 turnover fell in line with Spain’s GDP decline, accompanied by a 14% drop in employment, according to the Port Authority. The freight downturn was largely driven by cabotage with the Canary Islands and a tourism slump.
A key departure point for goods from the mainland to the Canary Islands, the port handles up to 40% of fee-related billing. Goods valued up to €25 million are moved through this port, serving areas like Murcia, Albacete, and especially Madrid, with shipments to the Canary Islands. The banana-producing islands rely on sea transport for nearly all consumer goods.