June 02, 2025
APM Terminals Barcelona & APM Terminals Valencia implement Portchain Connect to simplify the berth alignment process with shipping lines
APM Terminals Barcelona and APM Terminals Valencia have joined the Portchain Connect Network, giving both terminals access to a global berth‑alignment platform used by more than 150 terminals worldwide. By sharing schedule data through secure digital handshakes, the two Spanish hubs can provide their carrier customers with earlier, more reliable updates and a single, consistent channel for berth coordination.
For the terminals, Portchain Connect reduces manual communication, increases berth‑plan accuracy, and helps planners boost berth utilisation. For carrier customers, faster alignment supports Just‑in‑Time port calls, trimming waiting time by around 2 hours per port call and enabling fuel savings of up to 10 percent on certain voyages, while lowering associated CO₂ emissions.
“Bringing APM Terminals Barcelona and Valencia onto Portchain Connect gives our customers one trusted view of berth windows across both gateways,” said Julián Fernández, APM Terminals Spanish Gateways Managing Director. “The result is smoother operations for our teams, higher berth efficiency, and a more predictable, sustainable supply chain for shipping lines.”
Portchain Connect
Portchain Connect streamlines the flow of schedule data to shorten the time to align the berthing window. The platform allows terminals and carriers to share and receive quality data and reduce delays in information transmission. Portchain Connect provides users with an easy-to-use overview of all their vessel calls and ensures they can securely transfer berthing information, remove the costs associated with manual non-digitised communication and align on berthing windows to improve schedule reliability. Download the brochure for more information.
“Bringing APM Terminals Barcelona and Valencia onto Portchain Connect strengthens our Network in two crucial Mediterranean hubs. Together, we’re improving berth efficiency and cutting emissions for the carriers that call these terminals.”
Thor Thorup, CCO & Co-Founder at Portchain
About Portchain
Portchain is the leading provider of berth alignment and planning software for container terminals and carriers. Working with leading container carriers and terminal operators, Portchain creates sustainable win-win solutions to improve operational efficiency and sustainability for container shipping. Operating at a global scale, Portchain serves container terminals and carriers across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Australia, and Africa.
About APM Barcelona
The Port of Barcelona’s Muelle Sur Container Terminal is 100% owned by APM Terminals and has an annual throughput capacity of 1,560,000 TEU. APM Terminals Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean Coast in the Catalan Region of Spain, in Barcelona, Spain’s second-largest city. In 2022, APM Terminals Barcelona's concession agreement was extended until 2036. An investment of EUR 170 million was agreed over the coming years to enable the terminal to handle the largest container ships in service.
Barcelona’s hinterland accounts for 80% of the ports total cargo volume. A large variety of industries are located in the hinterland, including automotive, textile, chemical and pharmaceuticals. It is benefits from close proximity to the ZAL – Logistics Activities Zone – and the duty-free area, Consorcio de la Zona Franca. Leading international brands including Ikea, Decathlon, Lidl, Amazon, Schneider Electric, Honda Logistics, Inditex, and Mango have also located their distribution centers in Barcelona.
The terminal has the benefit of being located on the entrance canal to the port. It has its own on-dock rail connection, immediate access to the motorway network and automated gate access for optimum intermodal efficiency. Customs offices are also located inside the terminal to optimise the logistics process.
About APM Terminal Valencia
APM Terminal Valencia's Multipurpose Terminal in the Port of Valencia was established on 1 May 1999. It was created through the merger of three small stevedoring companies and is located at the Levante Pier, in the Port of Valencia (Spain). It was acquired by APM Terminals (75%) in 2016. Our core activities are maritime and yard operations, together with machinery maintenance and repair. This includes stowage and intermodal loading and discharge of cargo (vessels, trucks and rail).
The Valencia region links North Africa and Europe and provides a key link with Latin America. The region is connected by road and rail to the rest of Spain and Europe:
- Minimum deviation time from main East-West inter-oceanic routes.
- Hub port for the Western Mediterranean & the West Coast of Africa.
- In the middle of the Spanish Mediterranean, it provides an important gateway to the hinterland, including the Central (Madrid area) and Eastern mainland.
- Easy and fast vessel access from pilot station to berthing position.
Press of this article
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