A new chapter in cooperation between Europe and Asia’s maritime sectors has been marked with the formal establishment of a sister-port relationship between the Port of Barcelona and the Port of Shanghai.
The milestone was confirmed during a visit by an institutional and business delegation from Shanghai to Barcelona, where representatives from both ports signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at deepening collaboration across a range of areas. The agreement brings together the Port of Barcelona, the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission (SMTC) and Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening connectivity between the two global trade gateways.
The agreement was signed by José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona; Xiao Hui, General Director of the SMTC; and Yang ZhiYong, Vice President of SIPG. The signing ceremony was attended by Jaume Duch, Regional Minister for European Union and Foreign Action.
Under the new framework, the organisations will work together on initiatives focused on the digitalisation and security of port operations, the development of greener port infrastructure and alternative fuels, and the promotion of intermodal transport solutions. The agreement also supports efforts to create sustainable maritime corridors linking the Far East and the Mediterranean region.
The latest development builds on a growing relationship between Barcelona and Shanghai. In July 2025, the two ports signed an initial cooperation agreement that laid the groundwork for closer collaboration. This was followed in September 2025 by a technical mission to Barcelona led by Wang Haijian, Vice President and Director of Operations at SIPG. During that visit, discussions centred on advancing the Green Shipping and Digital Corridor project being developed between the two ports, alongside broader conversations about expanding trade and logistics links between China and Europe. The delegation also visited the Ebro-Chery facilities located in Barcelona’s Free Zone.
As part of the current visit, delegates toured the Autoterminal vehicle terminal, where work connected to the future Green Shipping and Digital Corridor continues to progress.
The signing of the new agreement and the latest institutional exchange are expected to further strengthen ties between the two port communities while reinforcing Barcelona’s role as a key logistics hub within the Euro-Mediterranean region. The partnership also enhances the port’s connections with Shanghai, one of the world’s leading economic centres and busiest maritime gateways.
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