Barcelona and Shanghai Ports sign green corridor agreement

The Ports of Barcelona and Shanghai have signed a new cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening ties and creating a Green Shipping and Digital Corridor. The signing took place during a joint visit by Port of Barcelona officials and the Generalitat de Catalunya to the Port of Shanghai.

Boosting Collaboration on Sustainability and Innovation

Port of Barcelona President José Alberto Carbonell and SIPG President Song Xiaodong signed the agreement, committing both ports to closer collaboration in areas like digitalization, decarbonization, and standardization of maritime transport.

Shanghai, the world’s busiest container port, is known for its leadership in automation and environmental standards. This partnership will focus on sharing best practices, improving maritime services between the two ports, and launching joint training initiatives around smart and sustainable logistics.

Green Shipping and Digital Corridor

A central part of the agreement is the development of a Green Shipping and Digital Corridor. The initiative aims to promote cleaner maritime routes between Shanghai and Barcelona, using vessels powered by alternative fuels. Both ports will work on the infrastructure and regulatory frameworks needed to support low-emission shipping.

The corridor will also explore ways to offer fully emissions-neutral services between the Far East and the Mediterranean.

Cruise Sector and Joint Projects

The two ports also agreed to deepen their collaboration in the cruise sector. With the reactivation of the Chinese market, the timing is right for a strategic partnership in this area.

To move forward, a bilateral working group will be formed to define project priorities and create detailed agreements for each initiative.

Longstanding Trade Ties with China

This agreement builds on a long-standing relationship. China is Barcelona’s top trading partner, accounting for nearly half of its imports, including electronics, machinery, and consumer goods. Around 10% of Barcelona’s exports head to China, particularly agri-food products, pharmaceuticals, and car parts.

Chinese companies also play a significant role at the port. COSCO made its first call to Barcelona over 50 years ago. Today, Hutchison Port Holdings, which operates the BEST terminal, represents the largest Chinese investment in the port.

Barcelona has also become a major gateway for Chinese car brands like Chery and SAIC into the European market, along with electric vehicles from Tesla and Cupra.

Following the signing, Port of Barcelona leaders toured the Yangshan Automated Container Terminal, guided by senior managers from the Shanghai International Port Group.

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