The Port of Santander automates its borders with a 5,2 million investment to comply with EES and ETIAS

Logistics and Border Control

The Port Authority of Santander has begun operating its new automated border control posts, a key investment to comply with European EES and ETIAS regulations. The aim is to expedite the transit of passengers from third countries without affecting shipping lines' turnaround times.

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The Port of Santander implements an automated system to expedite border control

La Port Authority of Santander (APS) It has launched the first equipment for its new automated border control system. With a total investment of €5,2 million, the project aims to comply with stringent European regulations. EES and ETIAS, streamlining the registration of travelers from third countries and strengthening security in space Schengen.

The president of the APS, César DíazHe highlighted the importance of this modernization, underlining the challenge of "reconciling the requirements of European regulations with maintaining turnaround times." Brittany FerriesThis statement highlights the port's priority of maintaining its operational efficiency and logistical competitiveness while adapting to the new regulatory framework of the Unión Europea.

A technological infrastructure financed with European funds

The adaptation of the port to the new systems, specifically the European Entry and Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) , has been made possible thanks to co-financing with funds from the Financial Support Instrument for Border Management and Visa Policy (FSI) and European Funds for Internal Security (EFSI).

The new infrastructure consists of a total of eight modules or containers. As explained César DíazEach of these is equipped with six automated self-service kiosks and one manual control station. These are in addition to the ten kiosks already operational at the Maritime Station for passengers without vehicles. In total, the terminal will have fifty-eight automatic and eight manual positionsdesigned to "streamline the recording of entry and exit data and refusal of entry relating to third country nationals."

Investment details and awards

The project has involved several strategic contracts to ensure its proper implementation and operation. The supply and installation of the equipment was awarded to the joint venture formed by NTT Data Spain, S, L. U. Idemia Technologies Iberica, S.A.U. y NYY Data Spain Sistemas de Seguridad, S.L.U, through a negotiated procedure restricted to companies approved by the Ministerio del Interior.

Once the first three years of maintenance have elapsed, ownership of the equipment will be transferred to the Secretaría de Estado de SeguridadAdditionally, an auxiliary staff service has been hired to guide passengers, and adaptation works have been carried out at the Maritime Station to optimize the flow of people.

Key Investments in Border Automation at the Port of Santander

Concept	Awarded Amount	Awarded Company/Joint Venture	Implementation Period
Supply, installation and maintenance of equipment	3.437.610 €	UTE NTT Data Spain, Idemia Technologies Iberica, NYY Data Spain	40 months
Passenger assistance staff service	1.792.157 €	Interim Services Solutions, S.L.	36 months
Space adaptation at the Maritime Station	35.819 €	CARPINTERÍA LUIS ORTIZ, S.L.	N/A

Key points and frequently asked questions about the new border controls in Santander

How does this new regulation affect my company's logistics if it operates in the Port of Santander?

The main objective of the investment is precisely to minimize the negative impact on logistics operations. While controls on passengers from third countries will be more thorough, automation aims to make the process faster and smoother. For companies that depend on ferry turnaround times, such as those of Brittany FerriesThe key is that this system avoids bottlenecks and maintains the punctuality of the routes, an aspect that the Autoridad Portuaria has indicated it as a priority.

What exactly are the EES and ETIAS systems and why are they important for Spain?

El EES (Input/Output System) It is an automated system that will electronically record the entry and exit data of third-country nationals, both holders of short-stay visas and visa-exempt travelers, each time they cross an external border of the area Schengen. In turn, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) It is a travel authorization for nationals of third countries exempt from the visa requirement. Both systems are mandatory for España and the rest of the area members Schengenand seek to modernize border management and increase internal security.

What should carriers and logistics operators take into account in light of these new controls?

It is essential that operators adequately inform their drivers or passengers from non-member countries UE Regarding the new requirements, this includes the collection of biometric data (fingerprints and facial recognition) at the first border crossing. To expedite the process, travelers are advised to familiarize themselves with the operation of the self-service kiosks and complete any pre-registration that the authorities may make available, thus avoiding delays at port checkpoints.