Port total traffic surpasses pre-pandemic levels

Driven by the increase in bulk cargo, conventional general cargo, and ro-ro traffic

July 26, 2022 (Public Body Ports of the State). Port total traffic between January and June reached 284,690,064 tons, representing an increase of +7.3% compared to 2021, and 223,966 tons more than in 2019.

Bulk cargo, both solid (+13.6%) and liquid (+12.6%), and conventional general cargo (+11.5%) have pushed the final boost during the month of June for the first half of 2022 to surpass the figures reached in 2019, establishing a new historical record.

Solid bulk cargo, with 46.2 million tons, has been greatly favored by the increase in the traffic of coal and petroleum coke (+56.3%) and cereals and their flours (+45.5%).

Liquid bulk cargo, 91.3 million tons, has had significant percentage increases in natural gas (+67%), gasoline (+29.6%), and crude oil (+18%).

Finally, general cargo, with 139.8 million tons, has experienced a growth of 1.46%, mainly supported by conventional general cargo (+11.5%), as containerized goods decreased by 2.4%. Among the products that have grown the most are wood and cork (+21%), tobacco, cocoa, coffee, and spices (+6.6%), and machinery, appliances, tools, and spare parts (+2.9%).

Ro-ro traffic, industrial vehicles loaded with goods that are shipped, exceeded 36.2 million tons, with an increase of 13% compared to 2021, and more than 8.6% higher than the data from 2019.

Container traffic, 8.7 million TEUs, remains very similar to 2021, and only 51,109 TEUs away from the data achieved in 2019. Although transit containers have decreased (-3.3%), national entries and exits and import/export have increased by +9.5% and +2.1%, respectively.

Passenger traffic continues to grow at a good pace, exceeding 120% since the beginning of the year, and this last month with more strength due to the recovery of the Strait of Gibraltar Operation and the return of cruise lines, totaling 11.5 million passengers.