Ports are bustling hubs of life and progress for the towns they belong to and also their entire hinterland. Regardless of the type of activity, a port encompasses movement, exchange, energy and wealth. In order for all this to be possible, facilities, infrastructures and services must keep abreast of today’s needs for a port to remain dynamic.

The needs of a port are constantly evolving. Therefore, one of the most important tasks is the constant modernisation and improvement of its infrastructure and facilities in order to meet new demands.

Ports de la Generalitat

A public-sector company launched in 1998 following the Generalitat of Catalonia’s Ports Law and forming part of the Department of Territory, directs, plans and manages fishing, recreational and cargo ports that do not operate under concession. It also regulates the use of port-based commercial, cultural and recreational facilities which foster the economic and social balance of ports, docks and maritime facilities. The entity also applies appropriate corrective measures to protect the environment and the quality of seawater.

Ports de la Generalitat boasts its own legal character and assets, administrative and economic autonomy, and the power to act to guarantee its initial purpose. This guarantees efficiency and diligence upon carrying out its tasks and rendering its services.

The structure

The structure of Ports de la Generalitat is divided into three Port Regions: Northern (from the French border to Tordera), Central (from Tordera to the border of Cubelles with Cunit) and Southern (from the border of Cunit to the River Sénia). It is also equipped with an executive committee, a management team and an advisory board for its internal organisation.

Currently, Ports de la Generalitat manages the following facilities in Catalonia:

Objectives

Strategic objectives

1. Constantly modernise and improve port facilities and infrastructures in order to adapt them to industry demands
2. Commercially promote and develop ports and other facilities in order to adapt them to the real needs of the port industry.
3. Create lively port-related activity and maritime culture by developing commercial, industrial, fishing, recreational, cultural and tourist activities.
4. Integrate ports and other port-based industrial facilities into the social and municipal environment.
5. Optimise asset and resource management in order to achieve greater economic and social returns.
6. Foster sustainable economic development alongside full environmental protection, respecting the criteria, guidelines and recommendations stipulated by the government of the Generalitat, in particular the pointers of Agenda 21 of Catalonia.

Objectives by area of activity

Trade and industry

1. Attract new cargo traffic and research new markets.
2. Increase range of value-added logistics services.
3. Improve energy efficiency at ports.
4. Promote and gain customer loyalty of the industry side by creating (directly or indirectly) port-based industries.

Fishing

1. Contribute to European and national policies related to the fishing sector.
2. Optimise fishing harbours and reorganise spaces in use.
3. Improve marketing of caught fish.

Passenger Transport

1. Increase number of stopovers by short- and long-distance cruise ships.
2. Coordinate with companies and industries to create synergies that attract more cruise ships.
3. Provide infrastructures to foster cruise ship traffic.

Updated: November 3rd, 2022