The Port of Santander reaffirms its leadership in vehicle logistics with certification from ANFAC and State Ports

Automotive Logistics

The Port of Santander has renewed its quality certification for handling new vehicles, awarded by ANFAC and Puertos del Estado (State Ports Authority). This recognition, first obtained in 2004, consolidates the Cantabrian port's position as a national benchmark thanks to its efficiency, infrastructure, and an investment plan exceeding €145 million.

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The Port of Santander reaffirms its leadership in vehicle logistics

El Puerto de Santander has revalidated one of the most relevant distinctions in automotive logistics in España: the quality certification for port traffic of new vehiclesThis seal, jointly awarded by the Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Automóviles y Camiones (ANFAC) and Puertos del Estado, confirms the operational excellence of the Cantabrian enclave in a segment of high competitive demand.

One notable milestone is that Santander was first Spanish port to obtain this distinction in 2004 and, since then, it has maintained a leading position in the maritime-port logistics assessment it carries out annually ANFACIn fact, it has topped this ranking in nine of the eighteen editions held.

Customer satisfaction and customs efficiency: keys to success

The certification rigorously evaluates critical aspects of the automotive supply chain. These include incident management, vehicle handling at the terminal, the condition of storage areas, warehousing efficiency, and, crucially, the efficiency in customs procedures and land and sea connections. The certificate AENOR in accordance with code PE-2021/0020, has been granted to the Autoridad Portuaria de Santander at the Muelle de Maliaño.

In the latest valuation report of ANFAC For 2025, the Cantabrian port obtained a remarkable score of 4,4 5 onThe port's own customers, through the association, positively highlighted the proactivity and customer relations, the agility in customs management, the operational flexibility outside of normal hours and, especially, the Excellent level of accessibility by road and rail.

Strategic Investment Plan to strengthen capacity

To maintain this leadership position, the Autoridad Portuaria de Santander (APS) is executing an ambitious Investment Plan that will mobilize more than 145 million euros in public-private investment until 2030. The objective is clear: to increase the efficiency and capacity of the car terminal and improve rail-port connectivity, a strategic factor for the dock.

Among the most significant actions are the expansion of the car silo, the improvement of the internal rail network, and the construction of the ramp for roll-on/roll-off (roro) traffic at the dock. Raos 7, the new dock of Raos 9 and the creation of new logistics zones. The development of the so-called "curvilinear triangle" stands out, which will add Sqm 37.000 to the operation, and the integration of part of the industrial park Wissocq in the port area.

Key data on vehicle operations in the Puerto de Santander.

Concept	Relevant Figure/Data
Valuation ANFAC 2025	4,4 out of 5 points
Investment Plan (until 2030)	More than 145 million euros
Total area for automotive	More than 500.000 m²
Expanded silo capacity	15.000 units (324.000 m²)
New logistics area ("curvilinear triangle")	37.000 m² (1.800 additional units)
Maximum length of operable trains	Up to 580 meters

Key Infrastructure of the Vehicle Terminal

The terminal, located in the Espigón Central de Raos, has more than half a million square meters dedicated to the sector. Their docks Raos 8 y Raos 9 They offer one kilometer of berthing line for Ro-Ro vessels and car carriersallowing the simultaneous operation of up to four large vessels thanks to its four dedicated ramps. This configuration gives the terminal great versatility to serve both transoceanic lines and short sea traffic (SSC).

The infrastructure is complemented by an expanding car storage facility that will reach a capacity of 15.000 units, and two concessions for logistics and pre-delivery centers. In addition, the terminal has four rail lines to handle trains up to 580 meters long and more than 100.000 m² dedicated to ITU traffic, which supports the automotive sector by facilitating the transport of parts and components.

The receipt of the certification was formalized by the director of the Autoridad Portuaria de Santander, Santiago Díaz Fraile, and the head of the sales department, Patricio Arrarte.