Chinese company COSCO and PTP to invest €116 million in the Port of Tarragona as a strategic logistics gateway to Europe

The alliance between Chinese shipping giant COSCO and Argentina-based PTP Group will invest more than €116 million in a new multipurpose terminal at Port Tarragona, strengthening the Catalan port’s position as a strategic logistics gateway in the Western Mediterranean.

The Board of Directors of Port Tarragona has approved the concession for the construction and operation of the new terminal at the Andalusia Wharf to a joint venture formed by COSCO and PTP. The project is one of the most significant logistics and intermodal developments currently underway in the Western Mediterranean and represents a major step forward in Tarragona’s ambition to become a leading logistics hub connecting global maritime routes with European inland markets.

The concession, which is subject to the formal establishment of the project company and the signing of the concession agreement, has a duration of 50 years and covers more than 510,000 square meters. This includes the entire concession area at the Andalusia Wharf as well as the Boella rail terminal, which will serve as an integrated extension of the port facility.

“We are convinced that Port Tarragona will strengthen its role as a global hub connecting industry, logistics, maritime transport, and land transport”

Zhu Tao, Chairman of COSCO Shipping Ports

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According to the project plans, the new terminal will handle containers, general cargo, vehicles, and cold-chain logistics activities. The investment will also support the development of rail-port intermodal operations, reinforcing Tarragona’s role as a strategic logistics platform connected to major international shipping routes and key inland logistics corridors.

The alliance combines the global reach of COSCO Shipping Ports, which operates 50 terminals worldwide, with the maritime logistics expertise of COSCO Shipping Bulk and the port operations experience of PTP Group.

"All parties will work together to develop a modern, efficient, green, and safe intermodal terminal," said Zhu Tao, Chairman of COSCO Shipping Ports. "We are convinced that Port Tarragona will strengthen its role as a global hub connecting industry, logistics, maritime transport, and land transport."

The joint venture is expected to begin operations by the end of 2026, while construction of the terminal will take place between 2027 and 2028. The facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2028. Once fully operational, the terminal is expected to reach a capacity of approximately 680,000 TEU-equivalent units.

The development is projected to create approximately 150 direct jobs in its initial phase, increasing to approximately 180 once full operational capacity is reached. Additional indirect economic activity is expected across logistics, rail transport, customs, and industrial services linked to the port ecosystem.

A key element of the project is its intermodal strategy. The Boella rail terminal will operate as a fully integrated extension of the maritime terminal and will connect with inland logistics platforms, including Port Tarragona Terminal Guadalajara-Marchamalo and other logistics hubs in Aragón. This network will support freight flows between the Mediterranean coast, central Spain, and the rest of Europe.

With the arrival of the COSCO–PTP alliance, Port Tarragona further strengthens its position as a strategic logistics node in the Mediterranean, connecting international maritime trade routes with European markets through an integrated maritime and rail logistics platform.

Source: Port Tarragona