The visit of Oscar Puente, the Minister of Transport, to the Port of Valencia this Thursday has drawn notable attention and is fueling expectations about a forthcoming approval of a major expansion project. The department led by Puente is actively overseeing the reforms, signaling a renewed momentum around strategic infrastructure upgrades in the region.
Thursday marks Puente’s first trip to Valencia in his role since Raquel Sánchez assumed the Transport portfolio. Rather than a general tour of the Turia capital, the itinerary centers on the port facilities, underscoring the significance of this location for national transport policy. The upcoming visit is perceived as a turning point that could coincide with an official announcement on port expansion, heightening anticipation about a timely approval.
To align with the minister’s presence, the port authority has advanced its Christmas reception to Thursday. Attendees are set to include port executives, senior managers, leading business figures, and a broad public audience. The regional president is expected to attend as well, with participation from Carlos Mazón and Valencia’s mayor, María José Català. Observers indicate that the meeting could provide a framework for the minister to deliver favorable news on expansion at the next Council of Ministers session.
At present, the Government has not scheduled a Council of Ministers meeting for Tuesday, but officials stress that a decision is imminent. Pilar Bernabé, the Government delegate for the Valencian Community, stated that in the coming days it will become clear which national authorities will prioritize the Valencia region and its key infrastructures, reinforcing confidence in the government’s commitment to the area.
While the official remarks did not single out the Port of Valencia by name, the plan to expand the northern terminal has remained on the Council of Ministers’ agenda since January 2023, reflecting long-standing strategic importance. Just two weeks prior, Bernabé reaffirmed that approval could come “shortly,” a message that has kept the port project at the center of attention for local and regional stakeholders.