The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has released an optimistic forecast for Spain’s port system: by 2026, revenues from port usage fees are expected to reach €653 million, fueling a new cycle of investment in infrastructure, sustainability, and logistics connectivity.

Revenue Breakdown by Port Fees

In the recent approval of the consolidated budget by the Board of Directors of Puertos del Estado, projected revenue sources for the upcoming fiscal year were detailed:

• Port occupancy fee: expected to generate €368 million

• Activity fee: projected to contribute €164 million

• Usage fee: will make up the remaining amount to reach the €653 million total

This increase aligns with the overall growth in port system turnover, estimated at €1.38 billion in 2026—up from €1.29 billion in 2024 and €1.338 billion projected for 2025.

An Ambitious Investment Plan: Over €1.6 Billion in 2026

In parallel with this revenue, public investment of €1.617 billion is planned for the 46 general interest ports in Spain. Key areas of focus include:

1. Port Capacity Expansion (55.6% of the total)

With a budget of €900 million, standout projects include:

• Northern Terminal of the Port of Valencia

• New container terminal in Cádiz

• Infrastructure expansion in the Port of Barcelona (Catalunya wharf, dock 34, Adossat wharf)

• Works in Bilbao, Las Palmas, Santander, Tarragona, and Tenerife

2. Sustainability and Shore Power Systems (OPS)

€280 million (17.5% of the total) will be allocated to sustainability initiatives, primarily the implementation of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems, largely funded by European funds. This marks an increase from 13% of the 2025 budget.

3. Rail Connectivity and Land Access

€240 million (15% of the total) will be used to develop new rail access and improve existing ones. An additional €86 million will be invested through agreements with Adif to integrate ports into the national railway network.

Key projects include:

• Rail connections at the ports of A Coruña, Ferrol, Barcelona, and Castellón

• Expansion of the Isla Verde Exterior rail terminal in Algeciras

4. Security, Digitalization, and Urban Development

The investment plan also includes:

• €50 million for security

• €48 million for port-city integration projects

• €26 million for port digitalization initiatives

2026 Outlook: Strategic and Sustainable Growth

The projected pre-tax result exceeds €182 million, strengthening Spain’s port system’s capacity to fulfill its 2025–2029 investment plan, which surpasses €7 billion in total.

Spanish ports are not only reinforcing their strategic role in international trade but also moving toward more modern, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure. The combination of increased fee revenues, EU funding, and long-term vision positions Spain’s port system as one of the driving forces of the national economy by 2026.

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