Port of Barcelona strengthens its logistics hub with new sustainable car terminal

13 Apr 2026

International Car Operators (ICO) has announced the construction of a new state-of-the-art vehicle terminal at the Port of Barcelona, reinforcing Catalonia’s position as a leading logistics hub in southern Europe. 

 
 

International Car Operators (ICO) has announced the construction of a new state-of-the-art vehicle terminal at the Port of Barcelona, reinforcing Catalonia’s position as a leading logistics hub in southern Europe. The facility is expected to be fully operational by early 2028.

A strategic investment to expand capacity in southern Europe

The new terminal marks a significant milestone in ICO’s European expansion, establishing Barcelona as a key node to serve growing demand in the southern European automotive market.

“This terminal reflects how ICO is growing as a company,” said Jurgen Vanhove, CEO of International Car Operators (ICO). “We are expanding beyond our Belgian base to better serve the southern European market, adding capacity where it is needed and creating jobs in the process.”

Built on a 101,000-square-meter site, the terminal will handle up to 180,000 vehicles annually. At peak capacity, it will accommodate around 11,000 vehicles, including 8,160 units stored in a multi-storey facility designed for high-density storage with minimal land use and reduced internal movements.

“We are expanding beyond our Belgian base to better serve the southern European market, adding capacity where it is needed and creating jobs in the process”

Jurgen Vanhove, CEO of International Car Operators

Smart, digital operations for next-generation logistics

The Barcelona terminal is designed as a next-generation logistics hub, combining digital innovation with operational efficiency.

“Automation helps us work safer and smarter, but people remain essential to how we operate,” added Vanhove, CEO of ICO.

Operations will run on ICO’s Smart Terminal platform, enabling real-time vehicle tracking, full visibility, and optimized workflows. The facility will also feature automated vehicle scanning at entry and exit points, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and capacity to handle both standard trucks and megatrucks.

Strong intermodal connectivity across Europe

Barcelona was selected for its strategic location in the western Mediterranean and its strong intermodal connections.

The terminal will be located next to a railway facility and equipped with triple-gauge tracks, allowing seamless integration between maritime, rail, and road transport. This setup will enable efficient vehicle flows between southern and northern Europe, further strengthening the Port of Barcelona’s role as a major automotive gateway.

A green hub with local economic impact

Sustainability is a core pillar of the project. The terminal is being developed as a green hub, with optimized traffic flows, reduced vehicle movements, and infrastructure aligned with the increasing adoption of electric vehicles.

Beyond environmental performance, the project is expected to generate significant economic impact, creating both direct and indirect jobs in terminal operations, vehicle handling, security, and maintenance.

The development will also boost activity across the port ecosystem, benefiting transport operators, logistics partners, and technical service providers.

Reinforcing Catalonia’s position in automotive logistics

With this investment, ICO continues to strengthen its European footprint while supporting the long-term needs of automotive manufacturers and logistics operators.

The new terminal will not only increase capacity at the Port of Barcelona but also enhance Catalonia’s competitiveness as a strategic hub for sustainable, efficient, and future-ready mobility logistics in Europe.

Source: Port of Barcelona

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