The Port of Barcelona Management Board has approved four significant agreements aimed at enhancing port competitiveness, logistics development, sustainability, and the modernisation of facilities.
A major development is the authorisation of the transfer of 50 per cent of Terminal Catalunya (Tercat) shares from Barcelona Europe South Terminal (BEST) to Terminal Investments Limited Holding (TiL), which is majority owned by MSC, the world’s leading shipping group.
This move is set to strengthen collaboration between two prominent international operators while maintaining the terminal’s open-access character.
The agreement ensures non-discrimination among users, continuity of service, and adherence to concessionary obligations. It also upholds Tercat’s historical commitments to service quality and competitiveness.
The authorisation remains subject to approval by the relevant authorities.
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The board also granted a concession to Centro Intermodal de Logística (CILSA) for the construction of a new logistics warehouse for Lidl in the ZAL Prat area, formerly occupied by TOTAL. The concession covers 99,135 square metres over a 34-year period, with the project representing an investment of €42.1 million ($49.2 million).
The new facility will offer 55,000 square metres of logistics space with a height of 15 metres, exceeding typical warehouse standards. Lidl, Europe’s leading distribution chain, will operate the warehouse under a 15-year, extendable agreement.
This expansion will bring Lidl’s total managed space in the area to 165,000 square metres.
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The board has also approved the tender for an Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system at Cruise Terminal G, operated by Royal Caribbean Group.
The OPS will allow vessels to connect to the onshore electrical grid while docked, significantly reducing emissions.
The €12.6 million ($14.7 million) turnkey contract includes design, construction, and maintenance, with the system expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
This initiative is part of the port’s broader Nexigen Plan for Wharf Electrification, which has already seen €44 million ($51.4 million) invested since 2021.
In September of last year, the Port of Barcelona connected the first-ever ship to its new OPS system. This was facilitated by the new OPS system at the Hutchison Ports BEST container terminal, which made its debut by supplying 100 per cent renewable energy to the MSC Mette, a 24,000-TEU capacity containership, during the three days it was moored at the Port of Barcelona.
