The Port of Santander seals a €44.000 alliance to consolidate itself as a maritime law hub

Port Strategy

The Port Authority of Santander and the International Association of Port Law have signed a four-year agreement to enhance the port's image in the legal and educational field. The agreement includes holding at least one annual conference on the subject in the Cantabrian capital.

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La Port Authority of Santander (APS) and International Association of Port Law They have formalized a strategic agreement with a duration of four years and an investment of 44.000 euros. The objective is to strengthen the port's image in the field of specialized legal training and consolidate Santander as a leading forum in the debate on maritime and port law.

The agreement was signed by César Díaz, President of the APS, and his counterpart in the International Port Law Association, José Antonio Morillo-VelardeThis collaboration aligns with the objectives of Strategic Plan 2025-2030 of the port authority, which seeks to boost its presence in international forums related to port-city management, as well as its Corporate Social Responsibility policy.

Boosting competitiveness through the legal framework

Following the signing, the president of the Autoridad Portuaria de Santander, César DíazHe emphasized the association's "experience and expertise" in organizing these types of activities. DíazTheir efforts are key "to strengthening, through debate, the regulations governing port activities, guaranteeing the proper development and competitiveness of our ports."

The head of the APS He added that "the complex legal framework that governs us requires constant analysis and debate in order to meet the challenges that arise every day in an increasingly globalized world. In this context, the work done by the Association is invaluable."

For its part, José Antonio Morillo-Velarde He expressed his "enthusiastic" gratitude for the support of the Autoridad Portuaria de SantanderHe emphasized that the sponsorship, with its duration of four years, "allows for the establishment of a temporal projection order in the activities of the Association, whose headquarters are located precisely, thanks to the hospitality of the Port Authority, in the spectacular setting of the Cerda lighthouse."

Concept	Agreement Details
Involved Parties	Port Authority of Santander (APS) and International Association of Port Law
Contract Duration	Four (4) years
Total inversion	44.000 Euros
Main objectives	Dissemination of the image of Puerto de Santander and the holding of an annual conference on maritime law.

10th Conference on Port and Maritime Law in September

One of the first major outcomes of this agreement will be the celebration of the 10th edition of the Maritime and Port Law ConferenceThe event, a benchmark in the sector, will take place in the Palacio de la Magdalena de Santander the next 24 and 25 September 2026.

Organized by the International Port Law Association, the event is sponsored by Puertos del Estado, the Port Authority of the Balearic Islands and the own Autoridad Portuaria de Santander, in addition to the collaboration of the Spanish Maritime Law AssociationThis forum will bring together experts to analyze the latest trends and regulatory challenges affecting foreign trade and port logistics.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Port of Santander agreement

What impact does this agreement have on companies operating in the Port of Santander?

For exporting companies, importers, and logistics operators, this agreement strengthens the port's legal certainty. By becoming a center for debate and training on maritime regulations, it fosters a more specialized and knowledgeable environment, which can streamline operations and offer a more predictable framework for international business.

Why is it relevant for a port to invest in maritime law training?

In a globalized environment, the regulatory complexity of foreign trade is a critical factor for competitiveness. Investing in the debate and dissemination of maritime law positions [the organization/company/etc.] Puerto de Santander not only as a logistics infrastructure, but as a knowledge hubattracting talent, building trust in international markets, and anticipating future regulatory changes that may affect the supply chain.

What type of professionals will benefit from the annual conference in Santander?

The sessions are aimed at a highly specialized audience. This includes directors and legal managers of shipping companies, shipping agents, freight forwarders, and logistics operators; lawyers specializing in maritime law and international trade; as well as technical staff from port authorities and public administrations linked to the sector.