Yangzhou Delegation from China Visits Port of Alicante to Explore Potential Partnerships

A port delegation from the Chinese province of Jiangsu, representing the port of Yangzhou, visited the Port of Alicante this Monday to learn firsthand about its facilities, growth projects and the possibilities of establishing commercial and logistics ties. According to specialized media, this was an initial contact between both parties, with no agreement signed during the meeting.

The Chinese representatives inquired particularly about the characteristics of Alicante's berths, their drafts, the available rail connections, the future availability of land for industrial and logistics activities, and the possibilities for business establishment within the port area.

During the meeting, the Alicante Port Authority outlined its main lines of work: the expansion and upgrading of infrastructure, the development of new operational spaces, the strengthening of rail terminals and improved connectivity with the Mediterranean Corridor. Among the highlighted projects are new infrastructure capable of reaching drafts of up to 16 meters, a future industrial and logistics park of around two million square meters, and the transformation of some 300,000 square meters of port land as part of the waterfront renewal.

The meeting addressed opportunities related to steel, fertilizer, raw materials, industrial materials and wind power component traffic, as well as the possibility of creating new connections between China, Europe and North Africa. Both delegations also expressed interest in sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint, and the Chinese side noted similarities between Alicante and certain Jiangsu ports in terms of their level of specialization and adaptability.

Alicante's port strategy also includes the electrification of berths and the rollout of OPS (Onshore Power Supply) systems for ships' electrical connection while in port, along with renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives. The visit took place against a backdrop of growing container traffic, which, according to the Port Authority, posted increases of more than 33% in recent months, while the Chinese delegation extended an invitation for Alicante representatives to visit their facilities and continue building on this initial contact.