President's Welcome

From Puertos del Estado, we welcome you to this digital space, which serves as an open gateway to the world. Because that is what ports represent: points of connection with every corner of the planet.

Puertos del Estado is the public body under the Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible, responsible for coordinating the state-owned port system. This network is made up of 28 Port Authorities managing a total of 46 ports of general interest — so designated for their strategic importance to the State, both in terms of the activities they support and their impact on the national territory.

Our mission is to promote, support, represent, and connect all of these ports so that the state port system operates as a strong, efficient, and secure unit. Collaboration and synergy between Puertos del Estado and the Port Authorities are key to transforming the Spanish port system into one that is more competitive and better prepared to face future challenges.

Although our ports have been witnesses to and drivers of Spain’s history for centuries, the current system — with Puertos del Estado and the Port Authorities as we know them — marked its 30th anniversary in 2022. Over these three decades, it has undergone a profound transformation: we have evolved with the times while remaining rooted in our origins, and today we look toward the future with a clear commitment to economic, social, and environmental sustainability, innovation, and connectivity.

Currently, Spain’s state-owned ports handle more than 500 million tonnes of cargo per year. They account for nearly 60% of the country’s exports and 80% of its imports. These ports generate an economic impact of over 24 billion euros and 250,000 jobs, representing approximately 2.2% of the Spanish GDP and 1.4% of total employment in the national economy.

Thanks to connections with more than 200 ports worldwide, Spain has established itself as the European country with the highest maritime connectivity — and ranks sixth globally. In addition, with an extensive coastline and strategic location on key shipping routes, our country holds a privileged position in international logistics chains.

Ports are hubs for trade — and much more. They are sources of employment, economic engines, centers of innovation, and essential players in the fight against climate change. They are also gateways for travelers arriving by sea. Ultimately, these are everyone’s ports, because nearly everything we use daily — from the clothes we wear to the food we eat — has arrived by sea.