Port Competitiveness and the Impact of Decarbonisation
Competition between ports in the transport logistics chain and the key factors that determine their competitiveness, such as adequate infrastructure, good location and reasonable costs, have been extensively studied in the literature (Notteboom, 2008; Tongzon, 2002 and 2007; Lirn et al., 2003; Yeo and Song, 2005; Tai and Hwang, 2005). The quality of services offered and the efficient management of complex logistics chains are also highlighted (Murphy and Hall, 1995; Wong et al., 2008; Kaliszewski et al., 2020), although historically the main focus has been on building competitive cost structures.
This competitiveness analysis provides public institutions and private actors with essential information for the development of strategies to strengthen their market position.
The importance of container traffic in world shipping, which accounts for about 75% of general cargo, means that ports specialising in this type of traffic face intense competition. In the Strait of Gibraltar, ports such as Algeciras and Tangier-Med play key roles in global logistics. In 2023, the Port of Algeciras Bay was the leader in tonnage traffic in the Spanish port system, while the Port of Tangier-Med, the leading port in Africa and the Mediterranean, reached 122 million tonnes.
The decarbonisation process is a key trend in the maritime industry, driven by IMO (International Maritime Organisation) and EU regulations (such as the Fit-for-55 package) that limit greenhouse gas emissions. For ports, offering green fuels and OPS can improve their competitiveness and attract operators interested in reducing their carbon footprint.
The bunkering market is particularly relevant in the Strait of Gibraltar, where more than 100,000 ships cross annually. Ports in this region occupy a prominent position in the Mediterranean and in Europe, with high bunkering volumes in ports such as Algeciras, Gibraltar, Ceuta and Tangier-Med.
Factors such as bunker prices, strategic location and efficient turnaround times influence the choice of port for bunkering. In Gibraltar, low prices and lower regulatory burden drive demand, while Algeciras optimises its costs with designated anchorage areas to reduce port charges.
Decarbonisation also plays a role in the competitiveness of bunkering. In Algeciras, there are initiatives to supply biofuels and LNG, while the Port of Gibraltar faces space constraints to implement green fuel projects.
In conclusion, the ports of the Strait of Gibraltar face significant challenges and opportunities in terms of competitiveness, both in container traffic and in the bunkering market. Implementing joint strategies and advancing sustainable bunker solutions can strengthen the position of these ports. However, the adoption of directives such as the ETD could affect the competitiveness of European ports compared to non-European ports, especially in terms of bunkering.
The adoption of decarbonisation strategies is not only a regulatory necessity, but also a key competitive differentiator for the future.
