Santander consolidates its growth: the Port, one step away from its best historical figure

 

El Puerto de Santander It closed the 2025 fiscal year with a traffic of 7.151.232 tons, consolidating the seven million ton mark to boost its sustained growth towards the target of eight million in 2028, driven by the boom in the general merchandise and containers.

 

Consolidation of traffic and change of logistics model

 

During the presentation of the annual report, the president of the Autoridad Portuaria de Santander (APS), César DíazHe highlighted that the figure reached practically equals the previous year's all-time high. According to DiazThis result confirms the transformation of the enclave: "Santander has ceased to be a bulk cargo port to become mainly a logistics enclave where general merchandise predominates, which is the one with the highest added value and the one that generates the most employment."

 

The economic impact of infrastructure is crucial for the region, currently representing a 14% of Cantabria's GDP and generating a 11% of employment local. In this context, the institution has commissioned the Universidad de Cantabria an update of the impact study to monitor the economic impact of port activity.

 

Breakdown of traffic and records in containers

 

Despite a slight adjustment of 0,6% compared to 2024, the segment-by-segment performance shows a clear trend towards specialized loads. containers They have recorded their best result ever with 161.001 TEUswhile the sector of car It continues to rise with 336.868 units mobilized.

 

Traffic Category	Tons / Units 2025	Variation vs 2024
Total Traffic	7.151.232 t	-0,6%
General merchandise	3.740.387 t	+ 1,8 %
Solid Bulks	3.180.476 t	-5,2%
Liquid Bulks	230.369 t	+ 39 %
Containers (TEUs)	161.001 units	+ 6,6 %
Vehicles	336.868 units	+ 5,8 %

 

Investment plan and commitment to the railway

 

To guarantee growth in 2026, the APS execute a plan of 270 millones de eurosbroken down into €150 million in public investment and €120 million in private capital. Key projects include the expansion of the car silo, the dock of Raos 6 and the urbanization of the curvilinear triangle.

 

Intermodality is also gaining importance. The rail-port transfer fee has increased by two percentage points, reaching 15%. In this area, César Díaz has stressed the urgency of promoting the railway highway Santander Palencia Valladolid Madrid and the connection to Europa the Mediterranean Corridor.

 

• Operating efficiency: The number of ships increased by 4,4%, reaching 1.577 in the year.
• Financial strength: Turnover exceeded 26 million euros, with an economic result of 7,3 million.
• Export: Vehicle shipments abroad grew by 2,4% (199.891 units).

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Port of Santander

What is the long-term traffic target for the APS?

After consolidating seven million tons in recent years, the Puerto de Santander has set itself the goal of achieving eight million tons 2028 the year.

What investment is being allocated to port infrastructure?

A global investment is being implemented 270 millones de euros, of which 150 million correspond to public investment and 120 million to private initiative, destined for docks, silos and logistics urbanization.

How has rail transport evolved in the port?

The railway's share has grown positively, increasing the rail-port tax of 13% to 15% During the last year, reinforcing the commitment to intermodality and the connection with European corridors.

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