Barcelona Port: The “Biggest Winner” Amid French Port Paralysis? 法国港口瘫痪，巴塞罗那港成 “最大赢家”？

Barcelona Port: The “Biggest Winner” Amid French Port Paralysis?

法国港口瘫痪，巴塞罗那港成 “最大赢家”？

In early March 2025, a national strike was announced by French dockworkers' unions. Industry insiders reported that the strike severely undermined the operational efficiency of French ports and docks, leading to significant cargo backlogs and transportation delays. Many vessels opted to avoid delays by switching to other European ports, redirecting their cargo to ports such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, Dover, or Barcelona.

These changes significantly exacerbated congestion near French ports throughout March. Among the European ports that absorbed the diverted cargo, Barcelona Port, located near southern France, played a crucial role. This article focuses on introducing Barcelona Port.

2025 年 3 月初，法国码头工人工会宣布举行全国性罢工。有业内人士表示，受此影响，法国港口和码头的作业效率大幅降低，出现了严重的货物积压和运输延迟的情况。许多船舶为避免延误，纷纷改挂其他欧洲港口，货物也随之转移至鹿特丹港、安特卫普港、多弗港或巴塞罗那港等地。

这一系列变动导致整个 3 月邻近法国港口的拥堵情况显著升级。在这些承接了大量转移货物的欧洲港口中，巴塞罗那港位于法国南部附近，其在此次事件中发挥了重要作用。本期，我们就着重介绍一下这个靠近法国南部的巴塞罗那港。

1. Advantages of Barcelona Port

一、巴塞罗那港的优势

(1) Geographical Location and Transportation Network

Situated on the east bank of the Llobregat River estuary along the northeast coast of Spain and bordering the northwest Mediterranean Sea, Barcelona Port serves as one of the key ports on the Dexion route. Its prime location places it at the crossroads of Europe and Africa, as well as the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, connecting Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.

In terms of transportation, Catalonia boasts Spain's densest and most modern road network, linking France, Madrid, and other major cities. The port is connected to mainland Europe via rail systems such as the Mediterranean Corridor, with over 20 daily freight trains running between the port and inland Europe, giving it a rail connection rate of 28%, well above the European port average. It is also a key node on the "European Rail Freight Corridor." By sea, it is 185 nautical miles northeast of Marseille, 1,590 nautical miles southeast of Said, 161 nautical miles southwest of Valencia, and 513 nautical miles from Gibraltar. Barcelona Airport offers 370 routes, connecting to 212 destinations across 62 countries. This multimodal transport network, integrating road, rail, air, and sea, has a wide coverage.

（一）地理位置与交通网络

巴塞罗那港位于西班牙东北沿海略夫雷戈斯河口东岸，濒临地中海西北侧，是地西线航线主要港口之一 。其地理位置得天独厚，处于欧洲与非洲、大西洋与地中海的十字路口，连接南欧、北非和中东市场。

在交通方面，公路网络发达，加泰罗尼亚拥有全西班牙最密集且现代化的公路网，连接法国、马德里及其他主要城市；通过铁路系统（如地中海走廊）与欧洲内陆联通，每天有超 20 班货运列车往返于港口与欧洲内陆之间，港口铁路连接率达 28%，远高于欧洲港口平均水平，还是 “欧洲铁路货运走廊” 的重要节点；海上航线密集，东北至马塞港 185 海里，东南至塞得港 1590 海里，西南至巴伦西亚港 161 海里，至直布罗陀 513 海里；巴塞罗那机场航线丰富，有 370 多条从加泰罗尼亚首都出发的航线，可飞往全球 62 个国家、212 个目的地。公路、铁路、航空和海运共同形成多式运联模式，辐射范围广泛。

(2) Port Infrastructure

The port has extensive areas, with 10.68 square kilometers of water and 7.86 square kilometers of land. Its main channel is 16 meters deep, capable of accommodating Capesize bulk carriers.

It has diverse and advanced dock types: The commercial docks span 12.1 kilometers with awater depth of 8–14 meters. It features an open storage area of about 45,000 square meters, a grain storage capacity of approximately 187,000 tons, and an oil storage volume of 35 cubic meters. It boasts modern general cargo docks, bulk cargo docks, container docks, cruise docks, and oil docks.

For instance, the bulk cargo docks include multiple facilities. The bulk cargo handling area at South Dock is equipped with two bridge grab unloaders, each capable of handling 1,500 tons per hour. The MSC Terminal Barcelona at South Dock is the largest dry bulk operation area, featuring a 650-meter quay, four portal cranes, and two mobile loading machines, capable of handling two Capesize bulk carriers simultaneously. The BEST bulk terminal at West Dock specializes in high-value bulk cargo. The container docks, such as the BEST Container Terminal, are equipped with numerous advanced facilities, including 13 super post-Panamax gantry cranes.

（二）港口基础设施

港区面积广阔，水域面积达 10.68 平方公里，陆域面积 7.86 平方公里。主航道水深 16 米，能接纳好望角型散货船等大型船舶。

码头类型多样且设施先进：商业码头线总长 12.1 公里，前沿水深 8－14 米，露天堆场面积约 4.5 万平方米，粮谷库容约 18.7 万吨，油库储存量达 35 立方米。拥有现代化的件杂货码头、散货码头、集装箱码头、邮轮码头以及石油码头。

例如，散货码头有多个，南码头的散货装卸区配备两台桥式抓斗卸船机，每小时处理能力 1500 吨；南码头的 MSC Terminal Barcelona 是最大的干散货作业区，拥有 650 米岸线，4 台门座式起重机和 2 台移动式装船机，可同时处理两艘好望角型散货船；西码头的 BEST 散货终端专门处理高价值散货。集装箱码头如 BEST 集装箱码头，拥有 13 台超巴拿马型岸桥起重机等众多先进设备。

(3) Free Trade Zone Advantages

The Barcelona Free Trade Zone, established within the port, is a significant free trade zone in Spain and Europe. Initially set up in the late 1920s as a free port offering tax exemptions on imports and exports, it has since evolved into a comprehensive free trade zone encompassing docks, industrial parks, customs areas, and logistics zones, with production and processing capabilities. Its logistics system is highly efficient, located just 500 meters from the port, 7 kilometers from Barcelona International Airport, 200 meters from Catalonia's largest freight railway station, and directly connected to Barcelona's ring road, providing access to Spain's and Europe's highway networks.

（三）自贸区优势

巴塞罗那自由贸易区设立于港内，是西班牙乃至欧洲重要的自贸区。它始建于上世纪 20 年代末，最初作为自由贸易港对进出口商品免税，后发展为涵盖码头、工业园、海关区、物流区的综合性自贸区，具备生产加工能力。其交通物流体系便利，距离港口仅 500 米，距巴塞罗那国际机场约 7 公里，距加泰罗尼亚最大的货运火车站仅有 200 米，还直接与巴塞罗那环城公路连接，可进入西班牙及欧洲高速公路网。

(4) Maritime Services

• Port Basic Services:Several cooperating companies offer services such as towing, pilotage, berthing, waste reception, and passage services.
• Bunkering Services:The port has established the most comprehensive clean fuel supply network in the Mediterranean region. The ENERGOS terminal on the port's west side provides LNG and biofuel bunkering services. A green methanol bunkering facility, planned for operation in the third quarter of 2025, will further enhance low-carbon service capabilities. Vessels using alternative fuels can also enjoy port fee discounts, with methanol-powered ships eligible for up to a 20% reduction.
• Waste Management Services:Responsible for managing and removing waste in public areas, the port offers waste management and cleaning services for vessels, equipped with waste treatment facilities capable of handling various types of ship waste.
• Safety Assurance Services: With nearly 80 maritime signals ensuring port water safety, it is responsible for the guidance of lighthouses and beacons along the coastline, as well as the technical and functional maintenance of various maritime beacons.
• Predictive and Other Services:The port provides marine meteorological data, supported by relevant monitoring equipment. Data can be accessed via websites and mobile applications. It also offers services such as ship captains' procurement, crew changes, cargo handling, port dues settlement, and spare parts.

（四）海事服务

1. 港口基础服务：拥有多家合作公司，提供拖曳、引航、系泊、废料接收、通行等服务。
2. 燃料加注服务：已建成地中海地区最完备的清洁燃料供应网络。港口西侧的 ENERGOS 码头可提供 LNG 和生物燃料加注服务，2025 年三季度计划投入运营的绿色甲醇加注设施将进一步提升低碳服务能力。使用替代燃料的船舶还可享受港口费优惠，甲醇动力船最高可减免 20%。
3. 废物管理服务：负责管理和清除公共区域的废物，为船舶提供废物管理和清理服务，港口设有处理厂，可处理多种船舶废物。
4. 安全保障服务：拥有近 80 个海上信号确保港口水域安全，负责海岸线上灯塔和信标的指引以及各类海上信标的技术和功能检修。
5. 预测与其他服务：可提供海洋气象数据，配备相关监测设备，数据可通过网站和移动应用程序获取。还提供船长采购、换员、装卸货物、港使费结算、备件等服务。

(5) Natural Conditions and Hydrological Parameters

Barcelona Port features a subtropical Mediterranean climate, with westerly and northwesterly winds in the morning and southerly and southwesterly winds in the afternoon. The annual average high temperature is 33℃, the low is 1℃, and the annual average rainfall is approximately 750 - 900mm. The tide difference of the Scheldt River is 4.2 - 4.5m, with an average tide difference of about 0.3 - 1m. Tidal changes have minimal impact on vessel operations, classified as a semi-diurnal tide type. The port's water is influenced by rainfall, urban sanitation system discharges, and the flow of the Llobregat River. Compared to the open sea, the port's water has higher temperatures, lower salinity, lower density, lower transparency, and higher levels of suspended solids and turbidity.

（五）自然条件与水文参数

巴塞罗那港属亚热带地中海式气候，上午多西及西北风，下午多南及西南风，年平均气温最高为 33℃，最低为 1℃，全年平均降雨量约 750 - 900mm。斯海尔德河潮差为 4.2 - 4.5m，平均潮差约 0.3 - 1m，潮汐变化对船舶作业影响较小，属于半日潮类型。港口的水受雨水、城市卫生系统排放以及略夫雷加特河河水流。入的影响。与外海相比，港内水质具有温度更高、盐度更低、密度更小、透明度更低且悬浮物和浊度更多的特点。

(6) Digitalization and Environmental Advantages

Digitalization: The port's "Portic" digital platform enables electronic customs clearance, berth applications, cargo tracking, and other services, reducing documentation work time by an average of 30%. The "Smart Port" system uses artificial intelligence algorithms to provide optimal berthing and handling solutions. The "Green Port" digital platform can calculate bulk carrier carbon emissions in real time, generating documents compliant with the EU's Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) requirements. It also offers AI-based route optimization suggestions.

Environmental Initiatives: The port has implemented a Vessel Shore Electric Power System (OPS), with all bulk terminals equipped with high-voltage shore power facilities. A 15% port fee discount is offered to vessels using shore power. Strict dust control measures are enforced, with all bulk terminals equipped with spray dust suppression systems. Enclosed belt conveyors are mandated for cargo transfer, with differentiated dust prevention requirements for various bulk cargoes. Environmental compliance consulting services are also provided.

（六）数字化与环保优势

1. 数字化建设：港口运营的 “Portic” 数字化平台实现报关、泊位申请、货物跟踪等业务电子化，平均节省 30% 文书工作时间。“Smart Port” 系统引入人工智能算法，提供最优靠泊和装卸方案。“Green Port” 数字平台可实时计算散货船碳排放量，生成符合欧盟监测报告验证（MRV）要求的文件，还提供基于 AI 的航线优化建议。
2. 环保举措：启用船舶岸电系统（OPS），所有散货码头安装高压岸电设施，对使用岸电的船舶给予 15% 港口费折扣。同时港口实施严格的粉尘控制措施，所有散货码头安装喷淋除尘系统，规定使用封闭式皮带机进行货物转运，对不同散货制定差异化防尘要求，并提供环保合规咨询服务。

II. Dry Bulk Business at Barcelona Port

二、巴塞罗那港的干散货业务

(1) Scale and Structure of Dry Bulk Business

In 2023, the dry bulk throughput of Barcelona Port reached 28.5 million tons, a 7.3% increase from 2022. The business structure is diversified, primarily consisting of energy-related bulk cargoes (coal, petroleum coke, etc.), metal minerals (iron ore, bauxite, etc.), and agricultural products (grains, feed, etc.). Iron ore and coal account for approximately 55%, with bauxite transportation volumes growing rapidly in recent years, up 18% in 2023.

（一）干散货业务规模与结构

2023 年，巴塞罗那港散货吞吐量达 2850 万吨，较 2022 年增长 7.3%。业务结构多元化，主要包括能源类散货（煤炭、石油焦等）、金属矿物类（铁矿石、铝矾土等）以及农产品类（谷物、饲料等）。其中，铁矿石和煤炭合计占比约 55%，近年来铝矾土运输量增长迅猛，2023 年同比增幅达 18%。

(2) Advantages of Dry Bulk Business

• Specialized Terminals and Efficient Handling: Significant investments have been made in specialized bulk terminals, resulting in high handling efficiency. For example, the MSC Terminal Barcelona at South Dock employs an automated control system, achieving intelligent management of unloading, conveying, and storage processes. The average handling efficiency reaches 30,000 tons per day.
• Strong Market Radiation Capacity: The port directly serves Catalonia, a highly industrialized region in northeastern Spain. Catalonia is home to Spain's main steel production capacity and 22.1% of its automobile manufacturing industry, with a strong demand for industrial raw materials. Through its multimodal transport network, the bulk business extends to southern France, northern Italy, and Central European regions such as Switzerland.
• Ability to Respond to Market Changes:The Red Sea crisis and the Panama Canal drought have elevated the importance of Mediterranean ports. Barcelona Port has emerged as a reliable choice for Chinese shipowners facing route uncertainties.
• Specialized Bulk Handling Capabilities:Dedicated agricultural product terminals equipped with temperature-controlled silos can handle perishable bulk cargoes. A dedicated hazardous materials bulk operation area, compliant with the IMDG Code, provides security for the transportation of new energy materials.
• Stable Seasonal Performance:The Mediterranean climate ensures year-round port operations. During the traditional peak season from October to December, the port maintains high efficiency. From December to February, the average utilization rate of bulk terminals remains above 85%, with vessel waiting times not exceeding 24 hours.

（二）干散货业务优势

1. 专业化码头与高效装卸：专业化散货码头建设投入大，装卸效率高。如南码头的 MSC Terminal Barcelona 采用自动化控制系统，实现卸船、输送、堆存全流程智能化管理，平均装卸效率达每天 3 万吨。
2. 市场辐射能力强：直接服务西班牙东北部高度工业化的加泰罗尼亚地区，西班牙主要的钢铁产能和 1% 的汽车制造业都集中在该地区，对工业原料需求旺盛。通过多式联运网络，散货业务可延伸至法国南部、意大利北部以及瑞士等中欧地区。
3. 应对市场变化能力：红海危机和巴拿马运河干旱问题使地中海港口重要性上升，巴塞罗那港凭借自身优势成为中国船东应对航线不确定性的可靠选择。
4. 特种散货处理能力：设有专门的农产品码头，配备温度控制筒仓，可处理易腐散货；建立危险品散货专用作业区，符合 IMDG 标准，为新能源材料运输提供安全保障。
5. 稳定的季节性表现：地中海气候确保港口全年作业连续性，每年第四季度传统旺季仍能高效运转，12 月至 2 月散货码头平均利用率保持在 85% 以上，船舶平均等待时间不超过 24 小时。

III. Cooperation Between China and Barcelona Port

三、中国与巴塞罗那港的合作

(1) Trade Status

In 2023, the dry bulk throughput of Barcelona Port reached 4.795 million tons, a 5.6% year-on-year increase, primarily driven by the import of grains and soybeans. The trade flow is balanced in both directions. Eastbound routes mainly carry steel products, bauxite, and fertilizers, while westbound routes focus on agricultural products and copper concentrates.

（一）贸易现状

2023年巴塞罗那港干散货吞吐量为479.5万吨，同比增长5.6%，主要得益于谷物、大豆等农产品进口。贸易流向双向平衡，东行航线主要承运钢铁产品、铝矾土和化肥等，西行航线以农产品和铜精矿为主。

(2) Cooperation Advantages and Models

• Specialized Service Support: The port authority has established an Asian customer service team offering bilingual (Chinese and English) services, assisting with vessel entry declarations and cargo handling throughout the process. Customized services include 24-hour draft survey services, RMB settlement for part of the port fees, and adjusted operation plans for Chinese holidays.
• Diversified Cooperation Models: In addition to traditional port usage agreements, some large Chinese shipping companies have signed long-term strategic cooperation agreements with the port, enjoying privileges such as preferential berthing and warehousing discounts. The port also organizes business matchmaking events to help Chinese shipowners establish direct contact with local cargo owners, reducing intermediary costs. In 2023, the port joined the "International Logistics and Transport Union," deepening institutional cooperation with China's shipping industry.
• Regional Transshipment Function: Spain and Southern Europe continue to have strong demand for Chinese steel products. With China's automobile exports now ranking first globally, the demand for transporting related parts and materials is also increasing. However, the EU's imposition of additional tariffs on certain Chinese steel products and increasingly stringent carbon emission requirements pose new challenges to Chinese shipowners' cargo structures and operational methods. Barcelona Port offers flexible solutions, such as bonded warehousing facilities for compliance reprocessing, helping Chinese exporters meet EU standards. An increasing number of Chinese shipowners are choosing Barcelona as a dry bulk distribution center in the Mediterranean, enhancing route network efficiency and asset utilization through a hub-and-spoke model. Typical operations include Capesize vessels transporting iron ore from Brazil or South Africa to Barcelona, then transshipping via smaller Panamax or handy-sized vessels to Italy, Greece, and other locations. Alternatively, Chinese steel is shipped to Barcelona and then distributed to ports in North Africa and Southern Europe based on orders.
• Strategic Alignment and Supporting Services: Barcelona Port actively connects with China's "Belt and Road" Initiative, joining the "Digital Silk Road" port alliance and participating in the extension plan of the China-Europe Railway Express. A mature Chinese shipping service ecosystem has formed around the port, offering localized financing, ship cargo insurance, ship agency, and inspection services.

（二）合作优势与模式

1. 专业化服务支持：港口管理局设有亚洲客户服务团队，提供中英双语服务，协助船舶进港申报到货物装卸全程。还提供多项定制化服务，如 24 小时水尺鉴定服务、人民币结算部分港口费用、针对中国节假日调整作业计划等。
2. 多样化合作模式：除传统港口使用协议外，部分中国大型航运企业与港口签订长期战略合作协议，享受优先靠泊、仓储优惠等特权。港口还组织商务对接会，帮助中国船东与本地货主建立直接联系，减少中间环节成本。2023 年，港口加入 “国际物流与运输联盟”，深化了与中国航运界的制度性合作。
3. 区域中转功能：西班牙及南欧地区对中国钢铁产品的需求持续旺盛，随着中国汽车出口跃居世界第一，相关零部件和配套材料的运输需求水涨船高。但欧盟对中国部分钢铁产品加征的关税以及日益严格的碳排放要求，也对中国船东的货种结构和运营方式提出了新挑战。巴塞罗那港提供了灵活的解决方案，例如其保税仓储设施可用于合规性再加工，帮助中国出口商满足欧盟标准。越来越多的中国船东选择将巴塞罗那作为地中海地区的散货分拨中心，典型操作模式包括：大型好望角型船将铁矿石从巴西或南非运至巴塞罗那，然后通过较小的巴拿马型船或灵便型船转运至意大利、希腊等地；或者将中国的钢材集中运至巴塞罗那，再根据订单分拨至北非和南欧各港口。所以，越来越多中国船东选择将巴塞罗那作为地中海地区的散货分拨中心，通过枢纽辐射模式提高航线网络效率和资产利用率。
4. 战略对接与配套服务：巴塞罗那港积极对接中国 “一带一路” 倡议，加入 “数字丝绸之路” 港口联盟，参与中欧班列延伸计划。港口周边形成成熟的中国航运服务生态，提供本地化融资、船货险、船舶代理和检验等服务。

E-PORTS provides comprehensive services for Barcelona Port, with key businesses including captains' procurement, crew changes, cargo handling, PDA settlement, and spare parts. In April, E-PORTS has completed crew changes and CTM services for vessels at Barcelona Port. For more information on Barcelona Port's detailed policies and fee forecasts, you can contact:

WhatsApp/WeChat: 13816101982

Email: contact@eports.com

E - PORTS为巴塞罗那港提供全面服务，重点业务包括船长采购、换员、装卸货物、港使费结算、备件等。四月份E-PORTS已为停泊在巴塞罗那港的船舶完成换员、CTM等服务。如需了解更多巴塞罗那港详细港口政策及费用预测，可通过以下方式联系：WhatsApp/WeChat：13816101982
Email：contact@e - ports.com