Spain’s Shipping and Air Transport: Key Aspects & Challenges
Shipping in Spain
A) Port Network Structure
The port network is divided between the state and autonomous communities. The state controls major commercial ports, while autonomous communities manage numerous smaller ports, often focused on fishing and sports.
B) Passenger vs. Freight Traffic
Passenger traffic contrasts sharply with freight traffic:
- Passenger traffic is relatively scarce. Internal traffic is limited to important routes across the Strait.
- Cabotage traffic primarily transports petroleum products from coastal refineries.
- International freight traffic is significantly important, handling the majority of imports and exports.
- Traditionally, goods traffic involved large solids and liquids. Solid bulk cargo enters ports near mining industries (e.g., Ferrol, Gijón), while liquid bulk cargo, mainly petroleum products, concentrates on newer ports.
- General freight traffic, especially container transport, shows the greatest growth.
C) Port Infrastructure Needs
Ports require improved techniques, expensive infrastructure, increased surface area for goods storage, and better road and rail access.
D) Regional Imbalances
Regional imbalances exist in equipment and investments. Major upgrades are available only to a limited number of ports. Consequently, general cargo container traffic is increasingly concentrated in ports like Algeciras.
E) Strategic Transport Infrastructure
Strategic Transport Infrastructure aims to specialize ports as centers for recruitment and distribution of goods.
F) EU Green Paper
The EU’s Green Paper (1998) on ports and maritime infrastructure proposed preventing state funding that distorts competition between ports.
Air Transport in Spain
A) Airport Network
Air transport has rapidly developed due to income growth and increased tourism demand. The airport network is extensive, a result of a 1970s policy to equip all sizable cities with airports. Madrid functions as the central airport in this hierarchical network.
B) Passenger vs. Freight Traffic
Passenger and freight traffic exhibit notable differences:
- Aircraft are highly competitive for passenger transport over medium and long distances due to their speed and convenience.
- Freight traffic is limited by high costs, affecting the final price of transported products.
C) Regional Imbalances
Regional imbalances exist in air traffic. The main Spanish airports are located in key urban, economic, and tourist centers. Madrid’s prominence stems from its role as the central airport. Barcelona airport is assuming a central and growing role, benefiting from the city’s and tourist center’s attraction. Airports in the Balearic Islands and Mediterranean coastal cities receive significant international tourist flows, while Bilbao airport primarily handles national and regional traffic.
D) Strategic Transport Infrastructure
Strategic Transport Infrastructure plans aim to boost the economic functions of airports by improving access from cities, infrastructure, and security.
E) EU Liberalization
The EU has liberalized air services and fares.