UN/LOCODE: ESALG📍 Spain
Port of Algeciras (UN/LOCODE ESALG)
❖ Coordinates: 36.1408°N, -5.4562°E
❖ Time Zone: Europe/Madrid
❖ UN/LOCODE: ESALG
## About the Port
The **Port of Algeciras (UN/LOCODE: ESALG)** is the pre‑eminent gateway on the Strait of Gibraltar, situated at 36.1408 °N, ‑5.4562 °W in the Andalusian province of Cádiz, Spain. Operating in the **Europe/Madrid** time zone, the port enjoys a strategic position at the crossroads of Atlantic‑Mediterranean shipping lanes, making it the busiest transshipment hub in the Mediterranean and the second‑largest container terminal in Spain after Barcelona.
Algeciras handles a diversified cargo mix—containerized goods, roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo) vehicles, bulk commodities, and liquid bulk—supporting a catch‑area that includes the Spanish hinterland, the Portuguese market, and North‑African economies such as Morocco and Algeria. The port’s modern management framework is overseen by **Autoridad Portuaria de Algeciras** and coordinated with the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, ensuring compliance with IMO, EU, and Port State Control regulations.
Key performance indicators (KPIs) for 2023 include:
- **Total cargo tonnage:** ~ 115 million tonnes
- **Container throughput:** ~ 5.3 million TEU (twenty‑foot equivalent units)
- **Ship calls:** > 3,000 vessels annually (approx. 300 + mega‑liners over 150 m LOA)
- **RoRo movements:** > 900 000 vehicles
These figures place Algeciras in the top tier of European ports for both volume and vessel diversity, reinforcing its role as a critical node for global supply chains.
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## History
The origins of Algeciras trace back to the Phoenician and Roman periods, but its modern maritime significance emerged in the early 20th century when the Spanish government identified the Bay of Algeciras as a natural deep‑water harbour. The construction of the first breakwater (1913–1918) created a protected anchorage, and the opening of the **Algeciras Dockyard** in 1926 marked the commencement of systematic cargo handling.
During the post‑World II era, the port benefitted from the expansion of European trade, prompting the 1960s‑70s upgrade of quay infrastructure and the installation of the first container cranes. The 1990s saw a decisive shift toward transshipment: the inauguration of the **Algeciras Container Terminal (ACT)** in 1996, operated by the state‑owned operator **Terminal Internacional de Contenedores (TIC)**, transformed the port into a hub for intermodal traffic.
A pivotal moment arrived with the opening of the **Puente del Estrecho** (Europe’s largest cable‑stayed bridge) nearby in 2005, which synergised road connectivity and spurred further berth expansions. In 2018, Algeciras completed the **Banderas Terminal**—a dedicated RoRo and break‑bulk complex—solidifying its status as the primary maritime gateway for Southern Europe and the Maghreb.
Throughout its evolution, the Port of Algeciras has remained resilient to geopolitical shifts, including the 2002 – 2004 “Algeciras crisis” that briefly redirected cargo to Tangier Med. The port’s adaptive strategy—emphasising diversification, automation, and sustainability—has enabled it to retain a leading market share in the Mediterranean.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths & Docks
- **Total berths:** 58 (including 21 container berths, 14 RoRo berths, 12 bulk/metallic berths, and 11 general cargo berths)
- **Water depth:** 16–18 m at the deep‑water quay, accommodating Ultra‑Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) up to 20 000 TEU
- **Length of quay:** 13 km of linear dock space, equipped with high‑capacity gantry cranes (25 + 35 m outreach) and automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
### Container Handling
The ACT and **DP World Algeciras Terminal** together deliver a combined annual capacity exceeding **6 million TEU**. State‑of‑the‑art **Super‑Post‑Panic** (SPP) systems provide real‑time yard management, while remote‑controlled quay cranes (R‑QC) enable 24/7 operations.
### RoRo & Vehicle Logistics
Banderas Terminal boasts 12 + Berths dedicated to automotive logistics, featuring **multi‑level parking decks** for up to **500 000 vehicles** and **thermal scanning** for hazardous material detection. Integrated rail sidings (standard gauge) facilitate seamless car‑carrier loading onto the **Algeciras–Madrid** freight corridor.
### Bulk & Liquid Facilities
- **Grain silos:** 120 000 t capacity, serviced by dedicated grain elevators and dust‑suppression systems.
- **Petroleum & LPG terminals:** Managed by **Repsol Algeciras**, providing 18 × 10 000 t storage tanks and high‑throughput offshore loading arms.
### Ancillary Services
- **Customs & Inspection:** On‑site Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT) offices streamline clearance for high‑value cargo.
- **Maritime Pilotage:** The **Algeciras Pilotage Service** supplies 24‑hour pilotage, guided by the Strait’s complex currents.
- **Safety & Environmental:** A dedicated **Port Safety and Environment (PSE)** unit monitors compliance with the MARPOL Annexes, while the port’s **Green Port Initiative** targets a 30 % reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030.
Further technical details can be accessed through the **Port Authority’s official portal** (https://www.apalgeciras.es) and the **UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport** (https://unctad.org).
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## Economic Importance
### National & Regional Impact
Algeciras is a cornerstone of the Spanish maritime economy, contributing **≈ 3.1 %** of the nation’s total freight volume. The port directly sustains **≈ 12 000 jobs**—including dockworkers, logistics operators, and ancillary services—while indirect employment across transport, manufacturing, and retail sectors exceeds **40 000 positions**.
The Andalusian region benefits from a **GDP uplift of €5.8 bn** attributable to port‑related activities, and the port’s hinterland connectivity (via the **A-7 highway**, **Railway line 4**, and the **Algeciras‑Málaga high‑speed rail project**) underpins a multimodal logistics network that channels goods to major Spanish cities and the European hinterland.
### Trade Balance & Revenue
In 2023, Algeciras recorded a **trade surplus** of €7.4 bn, driven primarily by exports of automotive components, citrus fruits, and petrochemical products. Port fees, handling charges, and leasing of warehouse space generated **≈ €1.2 bn** in revenue, of which **≈ 30 %** is reinvested into infrastructure upgrades and sustainability programs.
### Strategic Role in Energy & Defense
The port’s proximity to the **Strait of Gibraltar** renders it a vital refueling stop for naval vessels and an essential hub for **LNG bunkering**. The Spanish Navy maintains a permanent presence, and the port’s security infrastructure complies with NATO’s maritime risk assessment framework.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Core Trade Lanes
- **Transatlantic:** New York ↔ Algeciras (container and ro‑ro traffic) – vital for US‑Spain food and automotive trade.
- **Mediterranean Loop:** Algeciras ↔ Valencia ↔ Genoa ↔ Algeciras – high‑frequency container circuits feeding intra‑regional demand.
- **North‑African Corridor:** Algeciras ↔ Tangier Med ↔ Casablanca – predominant for bulk grain, fertilizers, and vehicle exports to Morocco and Algeria.
- **East‑Asian Connection:** Algeciras ↔ Shanghai, Busan – ULCV services transporting electronics, machinery, and finished goods to the European market.
### Dominant Cargo Types
| Cargo Category | Approx. Share of Throughput (2023) | Key Commodities |
|----------------|------------------------------------|-----------------|
| **Containers** | 45 % | Electronics, machinery, fashion goods, automotive parts |
| **RoRo Vehicles** | 22 % | Passenger cars, commercial trucks, heavy equipment |
| **Bulk (dry)** | 18 % | Grain, ore, cement, steel billets |
| **Liquid Bulk** | 13 % | Crude oil, LPG, fuel oil, chemicals |
| **Break‑Bulk** | 2 % | Timber, project cargo, oversized machinery |
The **RoRo segment** is underpinned by the **Banderas Terminal**, which processes the majority of Spanish vehicle exports destined for the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. Meanwhile, the **container segment** benefits from the port’s deep‑water berths, allowing the **MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM** fleets to dock without tide constraints, thereby maximising berth occupancy and turnaround efficiency.
### Emerging Markets & Future Trends
- **Renewable Energy Components:** With Spain’s aggressive solar and wind expansion, Algeciras is positioning itself as the primary import hub for turbine blades and photovoltaic panels, expecting a **15 % volume increase** by 2028.
- **Cold‑Chain Logistics:** Investments in refrigerated storage (≈ 2 000 m³) aim to capture growth in perishable imports, particularly fresh produce from South America and North Africa.
The port’s strategic planning documents forecast a continued shift toward **digitalisation** (blockchain-enabled cargo tracking) and **green logistics** (electrified quay cranes, shore‑power supply), ensuring that Algeciras remains a resilient, future‑proof maritime gateway for the Mediterranean and beyond.
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
ESALG
Country
Spain
Province / Region
Andalusia
Latitude
36.140759
Longitude
-5.456233
Timezone
Europe/Madrid
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Algeciras?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Algeciras is ESALG.
Where is Port of Algeciras located?
The Port of Algeciras is located in Spain, Andalusia. Its coordinates are 36.1408°N, -5.4562°E.
What time zone is Port of Algeciras in?
Port of Algeciras operates in the Europe/Madrid time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.26 m
Wave Direction221°
Swell Height0.12 m
Data provided by Open-Meteo Marine API
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
📍 Nearby Ports
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