The Port of Barcelona grants the concession for the future ferry terminal to Baleària

The Port of Barcelona Management Board meeting held today approved the concession for the construction and operation of the future passenger and ro-ro cargo terminal, for private use, on Adossat wharf to the company Baleària for operation of its own ships. The concession was granted after said shipping company lodged a request for this terminal in December 2024, accompanied by the construction and operating project. Following the public information process, and with no other request lodged for the construction and operation of a terminal of these characteristics, the Port granted the concession. 

The future terminal project includes urban development works for the area; construction of the building where the future terminal for passengers, offices and services will be located, in a trapezoidal shape covering an area of 5,600 m²; and the urban development for passenger loading and unloading operations and road traffic. The terminal terrace will include waiting areas for trucks and cars and a storage area for semi-trailers. The project design also includes traffic lanes, vehicle parking areas in front of the terminal, taxi and bus stops and public rest and service areas. 

The project also includes the passenger boarding walkways and gates, spaces reserved for onshore power supply (OPS) systems connecting ships to the electricity grid while berthed, and an electricity generation system with photovoltaic panels, among other elements. The budget for the works is €25.3 million. 

Baleària, which has been operating regularly at the Port of Barcelona since 2003, currently embarks and disembarks in various port areas. The new terminal, which will occupy an area of 75,250 m², will initially come on stream in February 2027 in a 38,000 m² area, and will occupy the total area of its concession by the end of 2029. In its final configuration, the terminal will have four simultaneous docking points for ro-ro ships. The concession is for an extendable period of 27 years. 

Port of Barcelona President José Alberto Carbonell stated that “granting this concession to Baleària is proof positive of the Port of Barcelona's trust in solid projects that bring value both to our country and to maritime mobility as a whole. The new ferry terminal on Adossat wharf represents a significant investment, strengthens the port's operational capacity and allows us to move towards more modern, efficient and sustainable facilities, while improving the passenger experience and streamlining road traffic operations.” 

Adolfo Utor, President of Baleària, pointed out that “the future terminal represents a strategic advance for Baleària in the Port of Barcelona, as it will allow us to concentrate all of our operations in a single space, gaining in efficiency, reliability and quality of service for our customers. This infrastructure represents a qualitative leap that will improve the experience of passengers and carriers, optimise logistics processes and reinforce our commitment to more sustainable maritime mobility”.