Santiago García-Milà, deputy director of Port de BarcelonaIn April 2026, it analyzes the milestones of Spanish internationalization and the challenges of green logistics to improve business competitiveness in a global context marked by geopolitical and climate disruptions.
Transformation of the port model: Focusing on the end customer
El Puerto de Barcelona It is one of the most important critical infrastructures in the Mediterranean and a fundamental driver of the Spanish economy. With a history linked to trade liberalization, the port has evolved from a purely operational infrastructure to a strategic partner for shippers. Currently, it handles a wide variety of traffic, from containers and vehicles to cruise ships, relying on the ZAL (Logistics Activities Zone) and its proximity to the airport to offer unique intermodal solutions in Europe.
At the forefront of its innovation strategy is Santiago García-MilàAn expert with over three decades of experience in the sector. His vision has been key to integrating technology and sustainability into the port's DNA, promoting international partnerships such as the green corridor with Shanghai and leading the adaptation of the infrastructure to the real needs of exporters and importers.
What is your assessment of the first 25 years of the 21st century in the evolution of port management and the internationalization of Spanish companies?
Santiago García-Milà: The Puerto de Barcelona For the past 28 or 30 years, it has been trying to get closer to the end customer. Historically, ports have always looked to the sea, focusing on their two main areas. stakeholdersShipping companies and terminals. However, we took a very interesting turn to listen to the needs of those who generate the cargo. Over the last 25 years, the most significant challenge has been creating a symbiosis between operational efficiency and competitiveness for exporting and importing companies. Spain has made enormous progress in its degree of international openness, and ports have been key elements in this modal shift from sea to land.
SGMIn the case of Barcelona, we have the advantage of having the airport right next door, which allows companies to complement their cargo. The country has understood that it must expand internationally and diversify its markets, and this has yielded excellent results. Infrastructure must always serve the economy; we cannot afford empty infrastructure. Logistics is now a critical cost. For example, in the automotive sector, components used to come from within a 50 or 100-kilometer radius; today they come from anywhere in the world. Our obligation is to generate competitiveness so that companies like SEAT or large distribution centers can operate efficiently from our ZAL towards the south of Francia, Italia or the north of África.
Global challenges: Resilience in the face of disruptions
In the current global context, what is the main strategic role played by the Port de Barcelona to support internationalization?
SGMWe are in a time of powerful disruptions: health-related ones such as the COVID-19Climate, geopolitical, and trade factors are all jeopardizing the multilateralism we established after World War II. The port's role now is to offer resilience y predictabilityBefore the pandemic, predictability in logistics chains was 90%; today, with the closure of channels such as Suez or the tensions in the Estrecho de OrmuzThis reliability has been seriously compromised, generating extra costs in the stocks of the companies.
What key tools or services are they promoting to help businesses in this scenario?
SGM: The Artificial Intelligence It is fundamental to creating scenarios that will restore that lost predictability. Furthermore, we are strongly committed to decarbonization. A clear example is the Digital Green Shipping Corridor that we are developing with the port of ShanghaiIt's not just about connecting two ports, but about creating a digital green corridor from origin to final destination, whether it Zaragoza, Pamplona o MadridAs neutral, public entities, we can add this value to the final product. Some companies already state this clearly: "Either we will be green or we will disappear"because the consumer and society demand it.
Future perspectives and strategic recommendations
What trend or imminent change do you consider crucial for the coming months?
SGMMy wish is that we return to multilateralism and respect for international rules to achieve stable trade. Currently, there is a high level of instability and unpredictability, which is extremely serious for trade. Given this, companies must maintain a medium- and long-term perspective. Diversification in markets such as... IndiaSoutheast Asia or the agreements of the Unión Europea with Mercosur These are routes we must explore and be prepared to respond to.
As a final thought, what key would you give a Spanish exporting company to succeed today?
SGMThe first step is reflection: getting to know yourself well. Conduct a thorough SWOT analysis in this ever-changing world. You have to analyze the opportunities and threats, and look at what you've done. Japón, Corea o Taiwánand understand that China It has done the same thing, but at a much faster speed. The key is the innovative spirit and the ability to adjust the strategy if the market demands it. A clear diagnosis is essential: where I am, where I want to go, and what tools I will use to get there.
Key Data on Logistics and Port Evolution
| Concept | Historical Context / Pre-disruption | Current Situation / Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Logistical Predictability | Over 90% | Affected by geopolitical disruptions |
| Component radio (Automotive) | 50 – 100 km (30-40 years ago) | Global (Anywhere in the world) |
| Strategic Port Focus | Seaside operations (Shipping companies/Terminals) | End Customer (Load Generator) |
| Priority Innovation | Physical infrastructure | AI and Digital Green Corridors |
Key points and frequently asked questions about the future of ports
- Why is sustainability vital for the Port of Barcelona?
Because decarbonization is no longer optional. The market and the end consumer demand products with a low carbon footprint, and projects like the green corridor with Shanghai They are essential to maintaining the competitiveness of Spanish exports. - How does current geopolitics affect Spanish logistics?
Tensions at critical points such as the Canal de Suez or Estrecho de Ormuz They disrupt the predictability of deliveries, forcing companies to increase their stocks and seek technological tools to manage uncertainty. - What role does Artificial Intelligence play in the port?
AI is used to create predictive models that help companies anticipate delays and optimize their supply chains, restoring the reliability needed for business models such as Just-in-Time.
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