The Port of Santander showcases its leadership in automotive logistics to the Chinese ambassador in order to attract new trade routes

Spain-China Bilateral Relations

The Port Authority of Santander presented its logistical capabilities, particularly in vehicle traffic, to the Chinese ambassador, Yao Jing. The aim is to establish new avenues of collaboration and position the Cantabrian port as a strategic partner for the Asian market.

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La Autoridad Portuaria de Santander (APS) has received the ambassador of República Popular China en España, Yao Jingto explore new avenues for commercial collaboration. The meeting focused on presenting the competitive advantages of the Cantabrian port as hub logistics specialist in the vehicle traffic, a strategic sector for both economies.

During the visit, the president of the APS, César DíazHe emphasized the importance of the meeting to "strengthen trade ties and promote logistical cooperation, thereby reinforcing economic relations between the port of Santander and the Chinese market." The meeting was also attended by Ángel Pedraja, CEO of SODERCAN.

A hub specializing in automotive logistics

The Chinese diplomat showed particular interest in the strategic role played by the Puerto de Santander in car traffic, traveling through its main infrastructures dedicated to this merchandise. César Díaz He highlighted the strengths of the infrastructure, positioning it "as a national and international benchmark port for vehicle traffic, with top-level logistics operators, a privileged geographical location and solid infrastructure capable of hosting new projects."

According to the president of the APS, these qualities "make us ideal" to establish new forms of cooperation between the logistics hub that offers Cantabria and the Asian giant. "We are also a hardworking, friendly, and trustworthy partner, and I am confident that we can reach mutually beneficial agreements," he noted. Díaz.

Strategic investments to increase Ro-Ro capacity

The Cantabrian port's commitment to this traffic is reflected in an ambitious investment plan aimed at improving efficiency and operational capacity. Key actions include the expansion of the car silo, the optimization of rail connectivity and the development of new infrastructure such as the road-to-road (Ro-Ro) ramp of Raos 7 and the new dock of Raos 9.

Additionally, new logistics zones have been opened, adding considerable space. The area known as the curvilinear triangle has added 37.000 square meters, while the Transport City of Santander (CITRASA) will contribute another 100.000 square meters, consolidating the port's capacity to handle increasing volumes of merchandise.

Sustained growth in vehicle traffic

The bet of Puerto de Santander Automotive logistics has generated solid results and sustainable growth over the past 25 years, exceeding nine million vehicles handled. In fiscal year 2025, the total volume of vehicles moved through the infrastructure reached 336.868 unitsThis represents a 5,8% increase compared to 2024. This growth was notably driven by imports, which increased by 11,1%.

The president of the Port Authority also noted that the port is not only a leader on Spain's northern coast in roll-on/roll-off cargo handling and rail-port intermodality rates, but also has regular maritime connections with the Reino Unido and a container terminal that ranks among the top ten in Sistema Portuario Español by volume.

Indicator (Vehicle Traffic 2025)	Figure	Variation vs. 2024
Total volume	336.868 units	+ 5,8 %
Export vehicles	199.891 units	+ 2,4 %
Imported vehicles	136.997 units	+ 11,1 %

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Santander-China logistics alliance

How can this collaboration between Santander and China benefit a Spanish company?

The consolidation of new trade routes with China the Puerto de Santander This could translate into greater efficiency in the supply chain, reduced transit times, and access to a hub Highly specialized logistics for Ro-Ro cargo. This opens up opportunities for importers and exporters in the automotive sector and other goods requiring this type of transport.

What implications does the positioning of the Port of Santander have for the Spanish logistics sector?

It strengthens the northern logistics corridor of Españaincreasing its competitiveness against other major European ports. By specializing in a high-value niche such as vehicles, Santander contributes to diversifying and strengthening the Sistema Portuario Españolattracting strategic investments and traffic that previously could opt for alternative routes.

What specific advantages does Santander offer for the import/export of vehicles?

The port offers a combination of specialized infrastructure (vertical silos and storage yards), excellent rail connectivity that facilitates last-mile distribution across the peninsula, state-of-the-art Ro-Ro ramps, and growing logistics capacity thanks to the expansion of its activity areas. These factors guarantee agile and efficient operations for the automotive industry.