The Port of Barcelona leads the global agenda on port digitalization and sustainability since the IAPH World Ports Conference 2025 in Kobe.

 

El Port de Barcelona has reaffirmed its leading position in the digital strategy and sustainability of the global port sector during its active participation in the IAPH World Ports Conference 2025, held in Kobe, Japan. The event commemorated the 70th anniversary of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH).

 

The Port of Barcelona delegation was led by its president, José Alberto Carbonell, and was attended by Santiago Garcia-Mila, Deputy Director General of Innovation and Business Strategy, and Ingrid Boqué, Director of Institutional Relations.

 

Recognition of a Strategic Career

 

Within the framework of the conference, Santiago Garcia-Mila He was the recipient of an emotional tribute for his outstanding work during his presidency of the IAPH and his "strategic contribution to the global development of the port sector."

 

Barcelona Promotes Digital Collaboration and Cybersecurity

 

The Port of Barcelona demonstrated its leadership on the technical agenda. Ingrid Boqué, as chair of the IAPH Data Collaboration Technical Committee, led key sessions addressing the ciberseguridad, optimizing port calls and preparing ports for digital risks with physical impact.

Later, Boqué participated in the Council Meetingwhere she presented the committee's 2026 agenda. "A practical approach focused on implementing projects initiated this year and effectively applying documents already published," explained the Director of Institutional Relations.

 

The Voice of the Customer, a Central Axis

 

On Wednesday, Boqué moderated the closing session, "En view from the bridge: the pivotal future role of ports seen by their customers," which featured the participation of giants such as IKEA, APM Terminals and the International Chamber of Shipping. The debate focused on the real needs of customers, highlighting the importance of digitalization, multimodal connectivity, emission reduction and collaboration to build more efficient and sustainable logistics chains. Clients confirmed the essential role of ports as strategic partners.

 

Commitment to Sustainability, Back in Focus

 

The Port of Barcelona's commitment to sustainable innovation received international support during the awards ceremony IAPH 2025 Sustainability Awards. The project Positive Impact del Puerto was publicly highlighted after being selected as a finalist in the category Community buildingThis recognition highlights the initiative's real impact on the Port Community.

 

Taking advantage of their stay in Japan, representatives from Barcelona held bilateral meetings with key ports such as Busan (South Korea) and Bergen (Norway), as well as with entities such as the cruise line employers' association. CLIA, strengthening ties and exploring future collaborations