Luis Rodríguez takes the helm at the Port of Alicante and prioritizes regional growth and cargo traffic
In a ceremony marking the arrival of a new leadership at the Port of Alicante, the installation of Luis Rodríguez as president drew broad support from political and business leaders. Attendees included Carlos Mazón on behalf of the regional government, Minister Salomé Pradas, and regional secretaries Santiago Lumbreras and Javier Sendra. Also present were Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca, the PP deputy speaker in the Cortes and the second in command for the PPCV, along with mayors from the province such as Alicante’s Luis Barcala, Elche’s Pablo Ruz, and Crevillent’s Lourdes Aznar. The Government’s sub-delegate Carlos Sánchez, the president of State Ports Álvaro Rodríguez, and Catalan Ombudsman Antonio Mira-Perceval were among the other notable attendees. Four former port presidents—Julián López Milla, Juan Ferrer, Mario Flores, and José Joaquín Ripoll—shared the moment with Rodríguez. Maria Teresa Mira-Perceval, widow of a former port president, also attended the event [Attribution: Port Authority].
As Rodríguez assumed office, the emphasis on growth extended beyond the city to the wider province, with a clear focus on expanding merchandise traffic and enhancing regional connectivity. The exchange of ideas reflected a commitment to strengthening logistics infrastructure and improving supply chain efficiency within the port’s ecosystem [Attribution: Port Authority].
Luis Rodríguez’s agenda centers on regional expansion and freight focus
Key business leaders and regional organizations were represented at the inauguration, signaling robust local collaboration. Salvador Navarro, president of CEV Alicante, attended along with Joaquín Pérez, president of CEV Alicante, and César Quintanilla, head of Uepal. Javier Gisbert of FOPA, Antonio Arias from the Vectalia group, Nacho Amirola, head of Ineca, and Carlos Baño, head of the Alicante Chamber of Commerce, were also in attendance. Salvador Pérez, president of Cedelco, joined the discussions on the port’s future directions. The presence of influential business voices underscored a shared interest in expanding the port’s role in regional trade and logistics operations [Attribution: Local Economic Forum].
In the tourism sector, the occasion attracted notable figures such as Fede Fuster, president of Hosbec, and José Mancebo, director of the Provincial Tourism Board, alongside Luis Castillo, president of APHA. The seating arrangement highlighted the link between port capacity and broader regional economic vitality. Among those in the front rows were regional academic and government officials, including the rector of the GNA in Elche, the director general of IFA and mayor of Busot, and senior managers from tax administration and banking institutions. The diverse roster of attendees illustrated a broad, cross-sector vision for the port’s next phase and its role in supporting both commercial traffic and regional tourism flows [Attribution: Regional Economic Council].
The proceedings also spotlighted important strategic players in maritime logistics and tourism development, reinforcing a narrative of integrated growth. As the port seeks to broaden its footprint, conversations ranged from cargo handling efficiency to sustainable practices and multi-modal transport links that connect Alicante with neighboring counties and major markets across Europe and North America. The gathering underscored a shared commitment to elevating the port’s standing as a key gateway for goods and passengers traveling along the western Mediterranean corridor [Attribution: Maritime Strategy Board].