Port of Santander breaks traffic record in 2026: Keys to logistics growth -

Port Logistics

The Port of Santander recorded a cumulative traffic of 4.098.847 tons between January and July, 0,7% more than in 2025, marking a new all-time record. This growth is driven by general cargo, especially in the container and automobile segments, consolidating a sustained upward trend.

The Port of Santander has reached a new operational milestone, registering a cumulative traffic of 4.098.847 tons between January and July 2026. This represents a 0,7% increase compared to the same period of the previous year and is the best figure in its history. This progress consolidates the positive performance of the infrastructure, which is primarily driven by the dynamism of general cargo, with containers and automobiles as the main drivers.

César Díaz, President of the Port Authority of Santander (APS)He described the results as "excellent news" that "does not reflect a one-off event, but rather a sustained trend over time." DíazThis performance brings the port closer to its next strategic goal: reaching eight million tons per year.

High value-added goods as the key to growth

Data analysis reveals that the port's good performance is largely due to the progress of general merchandisewhich grew by 2,4% in the first seven months of the year. This segment now accounts for 54% of total traffic handled in the Cantabrian port, a figure that the president of the APS It is considered strategic, as it offers "high added value that directly impacts the economy and employment of Cantabria».

The top official responsible for port infrastructure has stressed the importance of coordinated work with the port community and the Government of CantabriaThis collaboration is essential for the region's main logistics platform, which represents 13,7% of GDP and 11% of regional employment, to "continue generating more and more activity and progress."

Strategic investments to consolidate the future

The sustained growth of port of Santander It is backed by an ambitious infrastructure development program. César Díaz has highlighted the "important effort of the APS in terms of infrastructure, which directly impacts the quality of services provided by the port community." Among the most significant projects are the vertical car storage silo and the Raos 6 and Raos 8 docks, in addition to improvements to urban access to the port.

"Thanks to the resources we generate through our own activity, we have a Investment plan which foresees public-private partnerships worth 245 million euros until 2030,” concluded the president of the APS.

**Cumulative Traffic Port of Santander (January-July 2026)**
Indicator	Figure (Jan-Jul 2026)	Variation vs. 2025
Total Traffic	4.098.847 tonnes	+ 0,7 %
General merchandise	(54% of the total)	+ 2,4 %
Liquid Bulks	N/A	+ 13,3 %
Solid Bulks	N/A	-2,2%
Containers (TEUs)	100.264 TEUs	+ 8,6 %
Automobiles (Units)	202.259 units	+ 3,5 %
Cruise Passengers	21.632 passengers	+ 10,0 %

Container traffic experienced remarkable growth of 8,6%, reaching 100.264 TEUs. Meanwhile, the automobile segment also registered a solid increase of 3,5%, with 202.259 units handled. Finally, cruise traffic, while maintaining the 14 port calls of the previous year, increased the number of passengers by 10%, to 21.632, with very positive forecasts for the remainder of the year.

📰 Starring:

Cesar DiazPresident of the Port Authority of Santander

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