Modernization and future of the Port of A Coruña

Ports are a crucial element for the competitiveness of nations' economies in this globalized world. The immense importance of maritime trade necessitates modernization policies that enable the adaptation of docks, thereby creating a stronger industrial and service sector that enhances the port system's value as an engine of economic development.
The volume of goods is set to increase dramatically over the next ten years, as will the size of ships, with dimensions that will necessitate the restructuring of docks. And in this new era we are gradually entering, logistics is a key concept that must be present in each and every infrastructure modernization project for this transition period.
The Port Authority's efforts to diversify traffic at the Port of A Coruña have begun to bear fruit. General cargo traffic in 2001 increased by 47,52% compared to the previous year, while total accumulated traffic exceeded 11,7 million tons. Although this figure was lower than the record of 12,6 million tons set in 2000, the forecasts for the coming years are very positive, with projections of 13,48 million tons in 2002, 14,16 million tons in 2003, 14,49 million tons in 2004, and 14,77 million tons in 2005.
Aware of this array of changes, the Port of A Coruña is entering the new millennium with an infrastructure plan exceeding €132 million (approximately 22.000 billion pesetas), the cornerstone of which is improving efficiency and competitiveness. Highlights of the plan include the multipurpose building on the Transatlantic Esplanade, which will become the new emblem of the city (and will include a Conference Center), and Project Medusa for unloading coal through a closed-circuit system that prevents the release of mineral particles into the air. Furthermore, construction has already begun on the container terminal, and, continuing with the policy of diversifying traffic, a new maritime route for fruit transport has commenced operations.
The future fish market with computerized auctions, the general dredging of the docks to increase their draft, and the studies developing the future Outer Port are other examples of projects already underway that will ensure the Port of A Coruña a strong position in the race for development. In fact, the true future lies in the Outer Port, with a budget exceeding 77.000 billion pesetas. The expansion at Punta Langosteira, together with the existing dock, will mark a milestone in the history of maritime traffic in A Coruña. Its unbeatable geostrategic location will allow it to confidently face any challenge. Its hinterland, its communications, its access points, and its terminals will make its service offering virtually unmatched by its competitive environment, making it the leading industrial hub in the Galician Community.