The 21st century has begun with significant and unforeseen changes. The events following the September 11th terrorist attack on the World Trade Center continue to have various effects on the globalization of the economy. The development of new information and communication technologies continues to advance at a breakneck pace. However, these advances are not keeping pace with the desired development in the generation and transfer of knowledge among the different countries and cultures of the world.
A new scenario is emerging in Asturian regional politics, enabling the creation of a modern and sound industrial base, connected to global decision-making centers and markets. Clear examples, with significant international and national impacts, can be found in the corporate restructuring processes at Aceralia, Hidroeléctrica del Cantábrico, Duro Felguera, and others.
The Asturian ports of Avilés and Gijón, in general, constitute a key instrument of the Government of the Principality to facilitate and generate new opportunities for the development and modernization of the complex industrial fabric of the region, to which they are closely linked.
The Port of Gijón and its traffic, in particular, are predominantly linked to bulk cargo imports (minerals, metallurgical coal, and thermal coal). The positive outlook for Aceralia and the increase in coal imports in recent years explain a significant part of the port's growth.
In 2001, thermal coal imports decreased by over one million tons, more than 14%, due to a favorable year for hydroelectric power. This decline was partially offset by increased production from Aceralia and cement exports. However, forecasts for increased thermal coal imports in 2002 indicate a clear recovery for this sector, which will be boosted by the commissioning of the third gantry, allowing for increased capacity at the bulk terminal. New traffic destined for the Compostilla power plant in León, for Endesa in 2001, presents a new opportunity. Traffic through commercial docks increased by 4%.
General containerized cargo needs the boost that the recent award of the container terminal to TCG (Terminal de Contenedores de Gijón) should provide. This new group is committed to growth and new regular shipping lines. TCG shares the development strategy of TCB (Terminal de Contenedores de Barcelona), which operates another terminal in the port of Algeciras, and combines this with the regional expertise and know-how of Alvargonzález and Paquet in the maritime container traffic market.
The commencement of actions to facilitate the development of new logistics infrastructure for the Asturian logistics corridor will enable the creation of "dry ports" for coal and general cargo within the neighboring region of Castile and León. The development of the Aboño industrial park near El Musel for storage and transport presents a new configuration for the handling of thermal coal, which could facilitate the export of slate from the Ponferrada area in León.
The drafting of the "Strategic and Master" Plans for the port of Gijón will serve to finalize the port expansion projects in the medium and long term in 2002, while in the short term the works to extend the Minerals dock and the Osa dock continue to be carried out.
All the projects underway at the Port of Gijón require the full support of its staff, as well as port operators and companies within the regional economic and social environment. This position must be complemented by joint initiatives, such as those currently being implemented with the Port of Avilés, in the areas of trade and international promotion.
To share and transfer knowledge, it is important to create collaborative environments at different levels (port, urban, regional, national and international) that facilitate the necessary trust to generate the growth we want for the port of Gijón.
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