Barcelona / Shanghai – August 4, 2025 – In a major step toward decarbonising global shipping and advancing port innovation, the Port of Barcelona and the Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) have formalised a bilateral agreement aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership through the creation of a Green Shipping and Digital Corridor between China and Europe. The accord was signed during an official visit by the Generalitat de Catalunya, represented by President Salvador Illa, to the Port of Shanghai.
Signed by José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona, and Song Xiaodong, President of SIPG, the agreement cements both ports’ long-term commitment to collaboration in areas critical to the future of maritime logistics—digitalisation, standardisation, and decarbonisation—with a specific focus on green bunkering infrastructure and zero-emission port operations.
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Developing a Green and Digital Corridor
Central to the agreement is the creation of a Green Shipping Corridor, which will support the deployment of low- and zero-emission vessels operating between Shanghai and Barcelona. The corridor will include measures to:
- Enable green bunkering services, including fuels such as green methanol, ammonia, and bio-LNG
- Develop regulatory standards and technical capacity for alternative fuel supply
- Foster digital innovation through the exchange of data and smart port systems
- Promote operational standardisation and emissions transparency
The agreement outlines a shared roadmap for emissions-neutral maritime services and green energy infrastructure at both ends of the corridor. It aligns with broader international efforts, including the IMO’s 2050 decarbonisation strategy, and supports the role of ports as key enablers in the energy transition.utral maritime services, positioning both ports at the forefront of global decarbonisation initiatives and contributing to the IMO’s 2050 climate targets.
Broader Collaboration in Port Innovation and Cruise Services
Beyond bunkering and containerised trade, the agreement also includes collaboration in the cruise segment, with both ports expected to jointly explore passenger logistics, emissions control for cruise vessels, and shore-side infrastructure solutions. This coincides with the revival of cruise travel from China, offering new opportunities for East–West passenger services.
In addition, the ports will work together on:
- Knowledge sharing in port automation and AI-based logistics
- Joint training programmes in port security, sustainability, and digital governance
- Coordination of port innovation initiatives and pilot projects
A bilateral working group will be established to oversee implementation, define technical priorities, and develop dedicated sub-agreements for each strategic area.
Trade Synergies: Barcelona and China’s Strategic Maritime Ties
The agreement is anchored in a long-standing commercial relationship between Spain and China. The Port of Barcelona reports that nearly 50% of its total imports originate from China, consisting mainly of electronics, machinery, textiles, and consumer goods. Conversely, 10% of its exports—including pharmaceuticals, agri-food products, wine, and automotive components—are destined for Chinese ports.
Chinese logistics and shipping firms maintain a strong presence in Barcelona:
- Hutchison Port Holdings is the majority owner of BEST, one of Europe’s most advanced semi-automated container terminals.
- COSCO Shipping made its first call at Barcelona over five decades ago and continues to be a key client.
- The port has become a critical hub for the distribution of Chinese electric vehicles into Europe, including brands from Chery, SAIC, and others.
Strengthening Cruise Sector and Smart Port Technologies
In addition to container trade and bunkering, the new agreement aims to foster strategic collaboration in the cruise segment, with both Shanghai and Barcelona being global leaders in cruise tourism infrastructure. This move comes amid the reactivation of China’s outbound travel market, presenting new opportunities for passenger flows between Asia and Europe.
The partners will also exchange best practices in smart port development, including:
- Port cybersecurity
- Cargo flow automation
- Emissions analytics
- Artificial intelligence in port management
During the visit, Port of Barcelona leadership toured the Yangshan Automated Container Terminal, one of the most technologically advanced port facilities in the world. The site visit further deepened discussions around automation, AI-powered logistics, and the role of smart infrastructure in shaping low-emissions port ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: From Ports to Platforms for Global Sustainability
This agreement between the Port of Barcelona and SIPG represents more than operational cooperation—it is a strategic alignment in how leading global ports envision the future of shipping. In an era of rising climate accountability and digital transformation, such cross-continental partnerships are seen as essential to accelerating the transition toward net-zero maritime transport.
For the bunkering sector specifically, the green corridor presents a major opportunity for cleaner fuels, new supply chains, and sustainable bunkering solutions, particularly as IMO and EU regulations tighten.
About Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG)
SIPG is the largest port operator in the world, managing the Port of Shanghai, which has ranked as the world’s busiest container port for over a decade. It is globally recognized for its leadership in automation, port infrastructure, and green shipping initiatives.
About the Port of Barcelona
The Port of Barcelona is one of Europe’s top logistics hubs, serving as the principal maritime gateway for Southern Europe. It specializes in containerized cargo, cruise traffic, and automotive logistics, and is a leader in smart port technologies and sustainability.
Source Port de Barcelona