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The Port of Barcelona understands human capital as a strategic factor for its development, which is why it strives to ensure the well-being, health and development of skills and abilities of the people who work here, as well as every area and aspect of their safety.
This chapter presents occupational data that refer exclusively to the Barcelona Port Authority (APB), as an organisation subject to the principle of transparency and as a port model. It also presents data on quality, safety and actions related to the public, which come from the APB but often refer to the entire Port Community.
In 2024, 33 priority actions were rolled out under the Barcelona Port Authority (APB) Plan for People 2021–2024, which seeks to consolidate an organisational culture that is increasingly open and based on trust, while also being committed to effort and delivering results.
This year saw the implementation of the agile leadership programme, which represents an improvement in the way teams are led, as well as the “Descobrim el Port” [Let’s Discover the Port] programme, celebrated at the 2023 Naveguem Junts [Let’s Sail Together] Awards, with the aim of promoting cross-cutting knowledge of all areas of the Port of Barcelona.
Moreover, the remuneration policy for staff who are not covered by the agreement was rolled out, together with the performance evaluation tool, enabling increased transparency in remuneration-related processes and enhanced recognition of APB staff.
In the health area, activities were carried out to promote emotional well-being and prevent vascular pathologies. Likewise, actions were implemented to digitalise and modernise people-related processes.
At year-end 2024, the Barcelona Port Authority (APB) workforce had seven fewer people than in the previous year. The profile of this workforce remains highly similar to that of previous years:
Over 60% of the workforce is between 41 and 60 years old
Over one third have worked at APB for more than 26 years
14% of the workforce holds managerial positions
33%
women
67%
men
Gender equality
The proportion of women in the chief governing bodies of the Port of Barcelona and APB is slightly lower than that of women in the total workforce, although in the APB Executive Committee it has increased by one person.
Presence of women in governing bodies of the Port of Barcelona and APB, 2024*
Barcelona Port Authority
Management Board
Number of women
(out of total members)
3 (of 16)
% women out of total members 19%
Barcelona Port Authority
Executive Committee
Number of women
(out of total members)
7 (of 22)
% women out of total members 32%
Fourth Equality Plan
During this year, more than half of the members of the APB Equality Monitoring Committee changed: a retiring member of the business representation was replaced and, as a result of the Works Council elections, the company representation renewed all its members on the Committee. This body monitors the development of each action and the degree to which the objectives of each measure are achieved.
September 2024 marked the halfway point of the Equality Plan, and an interim report evaluated and contrasted the fulfilment of its 23 actions in accordance with Royal Decree 901/2020. In addition, the action calendar of the Equality Plan and the internal regulations of the Monitoring Committee stipulate semi-annual reports and one when the Plan reaches its midpoint.
Preventing discrimination
APB ensures that cases of discrimination do not occur in the workplace: it applies the current collective agreement (Third Collective Agreement of Puertos del Estado and Port Authorities) regarding the qualifications required for each post, follows open competition procedures for staff selection, and recruits in accordance with current labour regulations.
In 2024, APB directly employed a total of 21 people with some kind of disability.
Preventing discrimination
The content of the protocols governing the APB work environment – including explanatory infographics – is available to all staff on the APB intranet:
The working group of APB’s internal policy on digital disconnection received no incidences and therefore did not meet during 2024.
FlexiWork
Since 2002, APB has offered staff the possibility of FlexiWork (FW), combining remote and on-site work. The main option allows up to two days per week working from home (40% FW). For positions not initially considered suitable for FW, the possibility of one day per week may exceptionally be considered, provided that certain tasks not requiring physical presence can be concentrated on that day. Most positions incompatible with FW correspond to Port Police, General Maintenance Unit (UMG), Passenger Terminals (EM), management assistants, Control Tower operators, Industrial Safety, Berths, Sailing Assistance, Conservation, Warehouses, General Services, Medical Services and Communication.
FlexiWork at the APB, 2024 (data as of 31 December)
Number of jobs eligible for FW
264
People performing FW
236
121 women and 115 men
Total APB staff
42%
Total jobs eligible for FW
89%
The FlexiWork Monitoring Committee, made up of representatives of the Works Council and business representatives, monitors incidents and queries that may arise and oversees the full implementation of the system. During 2024, it received no incidents.
SOCIAL BENEFITS
In compliance with instructions from Puertos del Estado and by indication of the Executive Commission of the Interministerial Remunerations Commission (CECIR), the contribution to the social fund has been reduced by 75% for years; its use has therefore been limited significantly.
The content of the protocols governing the APB work environment – with explanatory infographics – is available to all staff on the APB intranet:
APB works to promote internal talent with the Succession Plan project, which identifies the organisation’s key positions so that their continuity can be guaranteed by another person from within the organisation. The Plan involves understanding workers’ abilities and potential and conducting a more in-depth analysis of positions.
During 2024, six job changes or promotions took place through implementation of the Succession Plan. Since it began in 2019, 54 changes have occurred within its framework.
CALLS FOR APPLICATIONS AND TEMPORARY JOB BANK
During 2024 a total of 67 job openings were announced:
During 2024 the APB maintained six internship contracts regulated under the Workers’ Statute. This type of contract facilitates the incorporation of recent graduates into the labour market and improves their future employability, while contributing to the mission of generating prosperity for the community.
EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION AGREEMENTS
Below are some of the actions representing APB’s drive to search for talent in 2024:
The Barcelona Port Authority (APB) understands the important role played by internal communication in managing and developing Port of Barcelona activities. Actions carried out during 2024 aimed to improve operational efficiency, strengthen organisational culture and foster employee commitment.
The internal communication audit performed in 2023 identified several areas for improvement, particularly in the functionality of the intranet. This year, efforts were made to achieve an internal communication more aligned with the strategy, which reinforces and prioritises the communication focuses defined in the Internal Communication Plan: information about the business (what is done), the team (who does it) and processes (how).
As a first response to this objective, a new design of the Port of Barcelona brand’s identifier intranet was implemented in collaboration with the Corporate Image team to bring it closer and make it more user friendly for the internal public and compliant with accessibility standards. Efforts were also made to improve the display of content, particularly on the home page, and the search engine was redesigned and optimised.
Along the same lines, since corporate presentations are one of the tools used most for internal and external communication, the Corporate Image and Internal Communication and Training departments jointly developed a project to update PowerPoint templates. This project aims to ensure a coherent projection of the brand identity and provide the entire APB team with the necessary tools to optimise use of it simply.
“The little big story of the America’s Cup” documentary
The 37th America’s Cup left many spectacular images – of boats gliding over the waters, crews pedalling to exhaustion and teams celebrating victories. But behind all this was also great effort and commitment on the part of many at the Barcelona Port Authority (APB), whose intense work to make this event a success spanned over two years.
To document all this work and involvement, the internal documentary “La petita gran història de la Copa Amèrica” [The little big story of the America’s Cup] was produced, a journey through moments and experiences explained by the protagonists themselves: APB workers.
“LET’S DISCOVER THE PORT” INITIATIVE
During 2024, the “Descobrim el Port” [Let’s Discover the Port] programme was launched, a winning initiative at the 2023 Naveguem Junts [Let’s Sail Together] Awards. The programme aims to give everyone at the organisation the chance to learn about what the various departments of the APB do, how they do it and, above all, how each worker helps to develop the Port of Barcelona. In March, the first edition was held to raise awareness of the Port Operations and Goods department, which included a visit to the Hutchinson Ports BEST terminal. In November, participants in the second edition visited the new facilities of Port Police and learned about all the work that is done within the Corporate Security directorate.
Employee experience
As part of the 2021-2024 Plan for People, a programme was launched to improve the employee experience, which enables each person to have relevant information about different key moments in their professional career at the APB.
The welcome portal was designed and developed to ensure that onboarding at APB happens in the best conditions and the most structured and fastest way possible. This intranet space brings together all the essential information about the APB – policies, organisation, culture, etc.– and includes links to procedures, courses, tutorials and professional development materials.
GIVING PEOPLE A VOICE
In 2024, to assess the workplace climate and, above all, the path that lies ahead to form part of the organisations considered excellent places to work, the Barcelona Port Authority underwent its second audit by the Great Place to Work company. Sixty-four percent of the people asked participated in the survey and the results obtained will serve as a basis for future actions to improve the organisation.
This second edition focused on working on ideas that promote, enhance and improve the experience of workers and place them at the centre of the organisation. An expert committee evaluated the 11 candidacies presented and selected three finalists, which were submitted to an organisation- wide open vote to determine the winner.
Making community
The APB’s internal employer branding, Naveguem Junts [Let’s Sail Together], organises a yearly conference – a meeting space with in-person participation – dedicated to transmitting desired behaviours in the organisation.
Three hundred workers attended the 2024 Let’s Sail Together Day at the emblematic Casa Rius. The Day centred on people as a fundamental pillar of organisations and included remarks from the president and general manager, in addition to various round tables on areas and projects relevant to the APB. The Day’s playful climax was “Ante todo, mucha calma” [Above all, keep calm], a production by actor and comedian José Corbacho.
INTERPORT EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Apart from raising awareness of the organisation, APB understands that it is highly enriching to learn what other ports are doing in areas where they excel, as this makes it possible to establish synergies and, potentially, import knowledge.
During the month of April, as part of the second inter-port exchange programme with other European ports, two workers from Hamburg Port Authority visited Barcelona and met and exchanged experiences with various APB departments: Innovation and Business Strategy, Infrastructure and Conservation, Environmental Sustainability, Land Planning, America’s Cup, Commercial and Marketing and more. From 16 to 20 September, two APB workers returned the visit and had the chance to get to know the German port, its facilities, projects and staff.
The Barcelona Port Authority (APB) trains its staff because it believes in the effectiveness of continuous learning and the benefits that renewal, changing the way things are done, and adapting to changes, bring to the people in the organisation. Also to ensure that Barcelona’s port remains a global benchmark, with the help of the people who work here.
Under the Training and Development Plan, internal needs are assessed in order to define and expand multiple courses and programmes of varying types, modes and scope.
Learning as a tool for transformation
The Port of Barcelona has always been innovative, and it is hoped that this trait of its identity is also transmitted in the training and learning processes offered to the workforce. That is why all training has a dual objective: to improve and benefit the individual and APB.
To guarantee the continuity and updating of knowledge within the organisation and promote the development and professional growth of the people who work here, during 2024 more than 26,000 hours of training were conducted, which impacted 93.64% of the APB workforce. Thus, practically the entire APB workforce participated in one (or multiple) training proposals, which together obtained an average satisfaction score of 9 out of 10.
Indicadores generales 2024
Training actions: 232
Training groups: 526
Total training hours: 26.283,50
Number of people trained:: 514
Percent of the average workforce: 93.64%
Degree of satisfaction:: 9 out of 10
Under the Training and Development Plan, internal needs are assessed in order to define (and expand with new proposals) multiple courses and programmes of varying types, modes and scope.
The online training platform, Let’s Sail Together Learning, has been consolidated and doubled the training offer since its launch in 2022. In 2024 a total of 374 people took part in training in this mode.
Given its ongoing commitment to developing and professionalising internal talent, APB conducts a specific individual training programme that allows staff to access a wide variety of specialised courses taught at renowned training centres, foundations, universities and business schools.
This personalised approach not only enhances people’s skills and competencies but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional excellence. Active participation in these courses prepares workers to better face market challenges and play a key role in helping the organisation succeed and grow.
Furthermore, aware of the specificity of knowledge areas within the logistics-port sector and the challenges of innovation and sustainability faced by this economic activity, APB works with first-class entities and specialists in specific disciplines, such as the European School – Intermodal Transport.
TEAM MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
One of the major areas addressed in 2024 was team management, an initiative aimed at transforming the APB. The Team Management Programme covers areas such as communication, perceived favouritism, equity, agility, feedback, shared responsibility and role definition.
The programme is intended for all staff with supervisory responsibilities, given their fundamental role in promoting people-centred management based on APB’s values and ethical principles; facilitating attraction, development, motivation and commitment; and achieving the Port of Barcelona’s goals in a respectful and sustainable manner. A total of 34 people participated in this first edition.
For years, APB has also offered specific training activities aimed at the final customer, adapting to their needs and aligning with the objectives of the Port of Barcelona. (Information on this training can be found in the “Customer Experience” section of the Management chapter.)
The European School – Intermodal Transport, a training centre in which the Port of Barcelona holds a stake and which specialises in intermodal transport, offers a broad range of social and professional training. Activities organised during 2024 directly reached more than 6,000 people from over 80 different countries:
Technical visits to the Port of Barcelona to raise awareness of the Port Community and its business, social and environmental activities.
Training actions:
Activity of the European School – Intermodal Transport, 2024
Training activities: 80
Participants in training activities: 2,368
Technical visits: 113
Participants in technical visits: 3,639
VIRTUAL LAB PORT
The School continued consolidating its Port Virtual Lab training tool, which recreates international trade operations through a platform of simulated companies. During 2024, 11 new centres joined the programme.
Training sessions were held at national institutions such as the University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Barcelona Foundation, CE Politècnics, Barcelona Logistics Institute, Lluïsa Cura Institute, FP Santurtzi, Barcelona Activa and El Prat City Council, as well as at international institutions including Fundazione Caboto (Italy), Université de la Sorbonne (France), Saudi Logistics Academy (Saudi Arabia), GMLS (South Africa), IFTL (Morocco), La Spezia (Italy) and Fondazione ISYL (Italy).
TECHNICAL OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PORT OF BARCELONA
In its role managing issues of social sustainability and good governance within the Barcelona Port Community, the School supported the Organisation and Sustainability team in developing the Sectoral Sustainability Plan and organised several events linked to this topic.
PARTICIPATION AND PROJECT LEADERSHIP
The European School not only organises training activities directly but also promotes and acts as a key driver of various programmes, projects and training events, which continued to develop throughout 2024.
Green Marine Med
Led by: Centro Tecnológico Naval y del Mar (CTN) and World Ocean Council (WOC)
Co-financed by: European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF)
Goal: Create a community of stakeholders in Mediterranean green shipping to promote innovation and sustainability in the sector.
Achievements and activities, 2024:
Formati al Porto
Led by: European School – Intermodal Transport Civitavecchia
Goal: Italian version of the Forma’t al Port programme.
Achievements and activities, 2024:
Higher-Level Technician in Integrated Logistics and Shipping Processes and Higher-Level Technician in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Led by: European School in Civitavecchia, Port Authorities of Rome and Lazio and Fundazione G. Caboto
Achievements and activities, 2024:
TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT WORKING GROUP
The European School chairs and coordinates the sessions of the working group of the Steering Council for Training and Employment and its sub-groups. Activity in 2024 is detailed below.
Forma‘t al Port [Train at the Port]
Led by: European School.
Directed by: Training and Employment Working Group of the Steering Council for the Promotion of the Port Community.
Achievements and activities, 2024:
Treballem Junts [Let’s Work Together]
Upskilling programmes for the people who form part of the companies of the Port Community.
Descobreix el Port [Discover the Port], Aprenem Junts [Let’s Learn Together] and Benvingut al Port [Welcome to the Port], coordinated by the European School, are discussed in the “Social Action” section of this chapter.
During 2024 Barcelona Port Authority (APB) Medical Services had a total of 1,399 potential users (61 more than in 2023), including active and retired employees of the entity and their families.
Healthcare activity at the medical centres of the Bosch and Alsina wharf and WTC Barcelona building amounted to a total of 11,769 visits (+1.5%), including specialists, family medicine, rehabilitation sessions and nursing consultations. Care was provided both in person and online (through the Teams platform and others) and by telephone. This also made it possible to conduct hybrid consultations which allow, for example, follow-up visits without travel.
In 2024, the usual initiatives to guarantee health in the port area (healthcare, check-ups, etc.) were complemented with the following information and training activities:
Some time ago, the APB chose to be a preventive organisation by establishing its own Prevention Service with the four specialities and the necessary human and technical resources, as provided for in the Prevention Law. During 2024 all external monitoring audits of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS), created by the Prevention Service and certified with the ISO 45001:2018 standard, were passed.
SAFETY AND HEALTH INDICATORS AT WORK
Occupational accidents at the APB
Monitoring health
Drills
Conducted in the buildings and spaces where APB staff work at the World Trade Center Barcelona (central offices of the Port Authority) and in other facilities of the Port area.
TRAVEL PLAN
APB provides 3-month travel cards (T-usuals) to workers who choose this sustainable option to go to work. In 2024 a total of 239 people benefitted from this initiative. In addition, two people use the mobility option of the bicycle parking space at the World Trade Center Barcelona, which is subsidised by APB.
2024 was a year marked mainly by the hosting of the 37th America’s Cup, but the increase in Port activity in most of its areas also had an impact on the daily work of Port Police. Their main actions are summarised below.
(1) The majority (124) of traffic accidents in the Port service area involved only material damage. Tragically, one person lost their life in one of the accidents.
(2) Port Police participated in ten campaigns of the Catalan Traffic Service (SCT). The 214 controls for alcohol and drugs conducted in the Port service area also made it possible to detect 13 other traffic safety offences, such as driving without a licence, driving with a suspended licence, or driving despite having lost all licence points.
(3) Most of the reports filed under the Port of Barcelona’s Catalogue of Administrative Infractions were for traffic violations, particularly parking infractions and unauthorised stops. Almost 30% of the 1,479 complaints processed with a ticket from the SCT were for failing to present vehicles to the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV).
(4) Fifty-eight transport controls were conducted (+23%) with 217 complaints related to land transport legislation, 116 of which related to passenger transport (VTC), particularly in urban areas.
(1) As heads of the Order Group, both in own drills and those of companies and terminals in the Port area.
(2) According to Regulation RD 145/1989.
(3) Mossos d’Esquadra, Civil Guard, National Police, etc.
(4) Of these, 148 were for theft with forced entry into a vehicle.
Assistance in 104 occupational accidents at the Port of Barcelona, resulting in five serious injuries and one fatality.
Managed and supported 783 ambulance services by SEM Medical Emergency Services, the Port Ambulance and private mutual societies.
Various types of assistance provided to 738 citizens (+11%).
1,097 administrative acts (+13%) were opened, 42% of which were related to products confiscated from street vendors, up 6% from 2023 as a result of more exhaustive controls.
183 breakages reported (CEA), 48 involving barriers smashed at special railway intersections, and 28 involving barriers at access controls in the restricted area.
420 environmental procedures activated, most involving solid waste on wharves, liquid spills and solid waste on roads, or NO2/PM10 air pollution.
64 abandoned vehicles registered in the Port service area.
The Port of Barcelona is subject to the requirements of state and European Port Protection regulations. In 2024 this meant implementing specific measures and providing the necessary tools to carry them out, as detailed below.
Regulation 725/2004 EC, on improving protection for ships and port facilities:
Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of 30 November 2017, to establish an entry and exit system (EES) recording entry, exit and refusal of entry data related to third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States:
Approval and inclusion in the annual APB register of 15 of the 38 participants in the eighth round of validation tests for sniffer dog units to detect explosives operated by private security companies providing ship supply services at international cruise terminals.
The Committee for the Control of Video Surveillance Devices of Catalonia, under the Department of the Interior of the Generalitat de Catalunya, endorsed the following actions:
Supervision of services contracted by the APB for surveillance and provision of private security services at access controls to truck parking areas and security enclosures at public wharves and other port areas, as well as one-off services depending on circumstances such as military vessels, Drassanes Passenger Terminal, and Àgora APB during the Barcelona International Boat Show.
Within the framework of the Security Commissions, meetings of the Operational Working Group were held as part of the Container Terminal Security Commission, in coordination with the Tax Agency and the Civil Guard, to establish measures to combat illicit drug trafficking.
Supervision of services contracted by the APB and third parties regarding the use of drones in the Port of Barcelona, including coordination with ENAIRE and the Adossat wharf heliport to authorise unmanned aerial system (UAS) flight plans over Port territory.
As a result of agreements signed in 2021 with AESA, ENAIRE and SENASA, and operational coordination with Mossos d’Esquadra and the Civil Guard (Pegaso group), 84 authorisations for drone use and 130 flight information coordinations were issued to third parties during 2024.
On 7 November 2024, the Port Authority of Barcelona received its drone operator licence.
Measures for the America’s Cup
For the organisation of the regatta at the Port of Barcelona, a one-off Consultative Committee was held, along with several meetings with police forces, to establish guidelines on the distribution of competences and the resources required to ensure event security.
The maritime and land Coordination and Communications Centre was located at the Drassanes Ferry Terminal and headed by the Barcelona Centre for Emergency Operational Coordination (CECOR). The Port also participated in meetings of the specific Maritime Port Technical Committee for the America’s Cup, responsible for coordinating the organisation of the event.
*Sostrat is the electronic platform used to manage authorisations, among other digital procedures.
Port Security Office
The Port Security Office manages actions related to drills, audits, inspections, meetings and incidents, and records and documents all such activities.
Passes and Permits
Through the Department of Passes and Permits, the Port of Barcelona manages the issuance of authorisations to access restricted areas of the Port and permits for carrying out non-Port activities within its facilities.
Access and use of spaces for events, functions and filming activities, among others.
The Monitoring Committee of the collaboration agreement between Barcelona City Council and the Barcelona Port Authority met a total of seven times during 2024. The actions carried out within the framework of the agreement are detailed below.
Investments
Solidarity
Participation in the shipment of emergency convoys with vehicles and resources to support the municipalities most affected by the isolated high-altitude depression (DANA) in Valencia, using vehicles acquired under the Agreement between the Port of Barcelona and Barcelona City Council.
Training
During 2024, with the involvement of staff from the Barcelona Fire Department and the Port Police, the necessary drills and practical exercises were carried out to achieve one of the main objectives of the Port of Barcelona’s Self-protection Plan (PAU): establishing effective coordination mechanisms and ensuring the availability of resources from both member companies and response teams in the event of an emergency.
Preventive actions (PAU), 2024
Port of Barcelona PAU general drill
24
drills in concessions
including companies affected by the Special External Emergency Plan for the Chemical Sector (PLASEQCAT).
8
joint firefighting exercises
conducted by Barcelona Fire Brigade and Remolcadors del Port (tug operators).
Actions related to the America’s Cup
In 2024, various actions were developed and promoted to ensure compliance with industrial safety requirements during the 37th America’s Cup.
Regarding team bases, buildings and facilities involved
Regarding self-protection plans and emergency management
Regarding the hydrogen supply station
In 2023, a project was launched to supply hydrogen as an alternative fuel for America’s Cup support vessels. In 2024, the second phase involved commissioning a new hydrogen supply station at the West Wharf. During the training and competition period, hydrogen was supplied to a total of ten support vessels: six from participating teams and four from the event organisers.
The Industrial Safety Department carried out the following actions:
In 2024, the Port of Barcelona again managed a significant volume of hazardous goods. The handling of this type of cargo in the Port area is subject to compliance with Royal Decree 145/89.
Indicators of hazardous goods management, 2024
231,935 hazardous goods notifications
333 terminal inspections
The Port of Barcelona seeks to have a say in the main international and state port sector organisations to closely monitor the sector’s progress and be able to take decisions to influence it.
International organisations involving the Port, 2024
Spanish organisations with the Port’s participation, 2024
During 2024, the Port of Barcelona’s Communication Directorate focused its efforts on raising awareness of the role of the Port – the main transport and trade infrastructure in Catalonia – as a necessary part of the functioning of the economy and, therefore, of the well-being of the people it serves.
In line with what is established in the Port of Barcelona’s Fourth Strategic Plan, the main thematic axes around which the information was structured were innovation and sustainability.
The department’s goal is to convey the importance of the various projects underway by delivering messages efficiently to the Port’s various audiences (members of the Port Community, shippers and users, citizens, etc.).
Combining more summarised information published immediately on social media with press releases sent to the media and more specialised and quality branded content published in specialised and general media has made it possible to segment messages according to the type of media and audience and thus improve knowledge of the Port.
In accordance with the editorial line defined in the social media strategy, the result of exhaustive analysis, the decision was taken to publish less content on the Port’s profiles on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube, but with more value for the target audience.
The results were very positive, and an extremely high average rate of engagement was achieved on the main social media platforms, confirming users’ interest in Port content.
Hosting the America’s Cup was a challenge for the entire Port and for the Communications Directorate as well. The event generated a steady and growing flow of communication around the regatta and related events, as well as the 25 actions developed in Port Vell to support the event: new public spaces, services such as the Maritime Bus, and more.
2024 also included other special campaigns such as the Open Days, held on 24, 25 and 26 May, with more than 30,000 participants, and Christmas at the Port, which consolidated the citizens’ port as a Christmas benchmark in Barcelona.
In the field of innovation, communication efforts focused on publicising the projects developed by the BCN Port Innovation Foundation and the launch of the first phase of BlueTechPort, the Port’s blue economy innovation hub.
Environmental projects continued to reach milestones, including the Nexigen project, OPS connections, LNG supply growth, electric straddle carriers, renewable energy generation and zero-emission fuels.
Major infrastructure projects shaping the future of the Port were also highlighted, such as the financing agreement for new road and rail access with the Ministry of Transport, ADIF and Puertos del Estado, the new Port Police headquarters and progress on future ferry and cruise terminals at Adossat wharf.
Throughout this year, the Department of Institutional Relations intervened directly in 909 actions (+3.8%). The department’s public relations and protocol team coordinated visits to the Port of Barcelona for the port and logistics sector; organised business and institutional events; and provided advice and assistance in matters of protocol for activities such as meetings, conferences, forums, congresses, fairs and business missions.
The Operational Plan of the Department of Cultural Heritage helps to disseminate and safeguard maritime heritage, transmit the Port’s values through its historical legacy and establish synergies with other entities with which values and purposes are shared. Below are some of the most noteworthy actions in this regard from 2024.
“Port and photography. The photographic image of the Port of Barcelona” travelling exhibition
Organised by the Port of Barcelona and Agrupació Fotogràfica de Catalunya as a closing event for the latter’s centenary in 2023, this exhibition travelled and was shown at the Barceloneta Civic Centre and, coinciding with the America’s Cup event, Barcelona Maritime Museum, during 2024.
In this small but powerful exhibition about the Port of Barcelona, curator Joan Alemany brings together 40 photographs by professionals and amateurs who have immortalised Port spaces over time. The exhibition is complemented by a projection of historical images of the Port, selected from the archives of the Barcelona Port Authority.
“Picasso and the Port. 1895-1904” exhibition
From 30 September 2024 to 28 February 2025, the Port Vell of Barcelona, Picasso Museum, Barcelona City Council and BWA Yachting presented an urban exhibition which illustrates the artist’s connection to the Barcelona waterfront. The signposted tour of the port features large panels that, with period photographs and reproductions of Picasso’s works from 1895 to 1904, establish a dialogue between the current infrastructures and the painter’s experiences.
Preventive conservation and restoration
Preventive conservation work on the heritage collections continued, with periodic inspections. All relevant data were recorded in the MuseumPlus RIA heritage management software to monitor the collections, and necessary interventions were conducted to ensure preservation of the works over time.
Activities with other entities
To strengthen the relationship between the Port and the city of Barcelona, various activities were organised in collaboration with other entities in the Port environment:
As part of the social sustainability policies included in the Port’s Fourth Strategic Plan, the promotion of actions for society in general, the Port Community and specific groups continued in 2024.
Within the Sustainability Working Group
The Sustainability Working Group coordinates the various needs and initiatives of the Port Community by holding recurring meetings during which it monitors the various projects.
Within the Training and Employment Working Group
This year, two meetings were held to monitor projects and initiatives of the Training and Employment Working Group, and various actions were developed for the Port Community and society in general.
The Apostolate of the Sea – Stella Maris organisation offers support and guidance to seafarers in need. In 2024, the Stella Maris residence was 70% occupied and crew members transported to the entity’s facilities or to the city increased slightly compared to 2023. Sailor visits to the Stella Maris Club and passenger terminal office remain low, but these too have increased.
Within the Training and Employment Working Group
Stella Maris provides support and accompaniment to people related to the maritime sector who need it. In 2024, the Stella Maris residence had a 70% occupancy rate, transportation of crew members increased slightly, and more sailors visited the Stella Maris Club and the passenger terminal office.
Port of Barcelona Welfare Committee
The Port of Barcelona Welfare Committee is made up of representatives of the following entities:
In 2024 three Committee meetings were held (15 February, 14 May and 1 October) to propose and monitor the various activities.
Notable activities 2024
International Maritime Organisation Seafarers’ Day (25 June): Greeting cards were distributed to crews, the Porta d‘Europa bridge was illuminated at night, admission to the Maritime Museum was free all day, and a photography contest, sponsored by the Maritime Museum and Stella Maris, was organised.
37th Seafarers’ Conference, held in November, with the following programme:
National Committee for the Welfare of Seafarers
The National Committee for the Welfare of Seafarers is a state-level body established in 2022 and headed by the president of the public body Puertos del Estado. In 2024, three meetings were held to discuss issues related to the network of local committees, financing of welfare services, Schengen visa issues, etc.
During the annual assembly of the Spanish Association of Shipping Agents in Madrid, a plaque of recognition was presented to the welfare committees and to Stella Maris.
In November, the “Social Humanitarian Dimension in General-Interest Ports” conference was held in Madrid, with representatives from various ports and Stella Maris of Spain. On behalf of the Port of Barcelona, the Head of Organisation and Sustainability and the Director of the Apostolate of the Sea (moderator) participated. Discussions focused on social sustainability in ports, improving sailors’ working conditions, guaranteeing stable funding for these initiatives, the social contribution of cruises (e.g., redistributing unserved food to aid networks), availability of medical equipment for crews, and promoting sustainable and solidarity initiatives.
Seeking to consolidate itself as an area of economic and social development in the city and as a backbone of the coastal area, Port Vell is constantly evolving.
In 2024, the hosting of the 37th America’s Cup entailed the launch of 25 important urban and technological improvement actions in the Port Vell area, most planned prior to the Port of Barcelona’s designation as headquarters of the event and promoted thereafter.
These interventions – detailed in the “America’s Cup” section of this report – mark a major transformation of this port area, creating new public spaces open to the city and the possibility of expanding and diversifying the existing offer with new uses.
In 2024, 93 events were held in the public spaces of Port Vell, 47 directly related to city entities and associations. This resulted in a total of 1,115 days of occupation of the various public spaces of Port Vell.
Other notable actions
Various activities promoting commercial products, advertising and film shoots, photo sessions, concerts, circuses, children’s fairs and markets.
The Port of Barcelona was present at the America’s Cup public village at Bosch i Alsina wharf with its own stand and dynamic activities to explain the Port of the Future 2030, well received by visitors.
During the Port of Barcelona Open Days, Port Vell organised dramatized visits to explain its history, a seafood market, concerts, children’s activities, and an agora with conferences on the blue economy and the Port of Barcelona.
The 37th America’s Cup, more than a regatta for the Port of Barcelona
Beyond the relevance and prestige of the America’s Cup as a sporting event, hosting its 37th edition had a highly positive impact for the Port of Barcelona, for its commercial strategy, global projection, technological and infrastructural development, following a model sustainable in all aspects – social, economic and environmental – ensuring a continued impact on its surroundings.
The Port of Barcelona Hospitality space, located in the recently renovated warehouses, or tinglados, of the Eastern wharf, received more than 4,000 visitors and became the nerve centre for interaction between customers, concessionaires, operators, freight forwarders, and ship owners. Other Port spaces also offered opportunities to exchange specific knowledge.
The Port leveraged this confluence of port actors to host the so-called Industry-Focused Forum at the historic warehouses. These are meetings specialised by sector, promoting the establishment of commercial connections, generating business opportunities for the Port and its Port Community, and enabling discussions with the most relevant professionals in each field. The ultimate goal was to promote the Port and its traffic to the most strategic markets of the hinterland and foreland, helping to build loyalty and attract new customers. More than 1,600 people (professionals, customers, and strategic partners) participated in the 20 sessions that were held.
The tinglados helped consolidate the Port of Barcelona as one of the epicentres of the economic and social fabric of the area, promoting its global visibility as a first-class logistics and tourism hub and providing a privileged setting for international events.
As part of the America’s Cup, the Port of Barcelona Hospitality space also hosted corporate events for itself and the Port Community, including:
BlueTechPort also organised conferences in the public Race Village at Moll de la Fusta, fostering professional contacts while bringing the blue economy closer to the public.
Visitors and the public could enjoy various spaces and activities – a result of the 24 transformation and improvement actions carried out at Port Vell thanks to more than €130 million in public-private investment. Most of these actions were already planned, but Barcelona’s designation as host of the America’s Cup accelerated and promoted them.
Urban transformations expanded the Port’s integration into the city, making new port spaces accessible to the public. Technological interventions ensured optimal and safe management of the competition, consolidating the Port of Barcelona as a benchmark in innovation and a pioneer smart port.
In line with the model advocated by the Port of Barcelona, most works involved rehabilitating and transforming existing spaces and facilities, providing a more sustainable alternative from an economic perspective.
Minimising the environmental impact of operations and events has been a priority for the Port of Barcelona and a condition for hosting the 37th America’s Cup. The Port developed a guide of requirements that teams had to meet from the months before the competition until the weeks of the final regattas, including:
Throughout the 2024 Annual Report of the Port of Barcelona, certain specific actions on the occasion of the America’s Cup are highlighted in various fields. More information can be found in the section dedicated to the America’s Cup on the Port of Barcelona’s website.
