APM Terminals invests in electric upgrade and extends partnership in Valencia

Concession extended until 2049, linked to a commitment to decarbonisation and operational improvements

The Board of Directors of the Valenciaport Authority (VPA) has today approved an eight year extension of the concession held by APM Terminals Valencia, subject to a new investment commitment exceeding €10 million aimed at improving the terminal’s productivity, energy efficiency and environmental performance. With this extension, the concession will run until 2049, reaching the maximum ordinary extension of 50 years permitted under Spanish port legislation.

The extension responds to the additional investments proposed, which exceed 20% of the investment initially envisaged in the concession and meet the requirements of the Spanish Ports and Merchant Marine Act for this type of substantial modification. APM Terminals’ concession in Valencia began in 1999 and has been extended sequentially over time, now reaching the ordinary maximum term of 50 years.

The main initiative envisaged is the electrification of the Levante Quay through the installation of the first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system, one of four that APM Terminals plans to deploy in Valencia. This first phase will include the power delivery centre and the transformation and conversion substation required for its operation, in line with the European port decarbonisation targets for 2030 promoted by the VPA, as well as APM Terminals’ ambition to reduce emissions from its operations by 70% by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. The APM Terminals project is part of the OPS Valenciaport initiative, led by Fundación Valenciaport and co-financed by the European Union through the CEF Transport programme.

The investments in Valencia are part of APM Terminals’ global strategy for decarbonisation and value proposition to port authorities. “Decarbonisation extends beyond the terminal fence. Therefore, APM Terminals does not only focus on our own operational emissions but works globally to support solutions that reduce emissions across the terminal ecosystem, including those of our customers. This investment plan for Valencia is a great example of what that can look like and how we work with port authorities to find the best solutions for their port.” says Tim Miltenburg, Head of Decarbonisation Center of Excellence at APM Terminals.

The second investment focus will enable the adaptation of the Levante Quay fenders to accommodate large vessels – E class and EEE class – operating under the Gemini Cooperation, in which Maersk and Hapag Lloyd participate. This upgrade is critical to serving Asia–Mediterranean services requiring draughts of up to 16.5 metres.

“The support of the Valenciaport Authority’s Board of Directors for this extension allows us to move forward with investments that strengthen the sustainability and operational capacity of the terminal, thereby increasing competitiveness and reinforcing the Port of Valencia as a strategic hub on major global shipping routes,” said Julián Fernández, Managing Director of APM Terminals Spanish Gateways, who underlined that the works will be planned to ensure compatibility with the terminal’s commercial operations.