BEST Signs Co-Op Agreement with ZAL Port

4th October 2016

Logistics BusinessBEST Signs Co-Op Agreement with ZAL Port

Barcelona Europe South Terminal (BEST), a subsidiary of Hutchison Ports, and the Port of Barcelona and Merlin Properties’ intermodal logistics platform, Logistics Activity Zone (ZAL Port), have signed an agreement to optimise and reduce supply chain costs.

ZAL Ports is located adjacent to BEST, Southern Europe’s most advanced deep-sea port, and offers the possibility of setting up logistic centres with easy access to an extensive network of roads and highways that connect to the main Spanish cities and Europe, to three freight railway stations, and situated just 6 kilometres from the cargo centre at Barcelona El Prat International Airport. This combination makes the area an essential logistic node for South and Central Europe.

Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of BEST, said, “This cooperation agreement is a game-changer and will allow logistic operators to find the most cost effective, efficient and reliable supply chains. We believe that the combination of BEST and ZAL will bring real value to the market and enhance Barcelona’s position as the main gateway to Southern Europe for Far East traffic.”

Alfonso Martinez, CEO of ZAL Port, said, “This cooperation will allow the logistics market to grow, bringing the port new clients with new freight, giving them a complete solution for their logistics chain, creating value through exclusive and unique logistics offerings.:

Barcelona Europe South Terminal (BEST) is the first semi-automated terminal of HPH and the most technologically advanced port development project in Spain. It is capable of serving multiple mega-vessels simultaneously and has an eight-track railway facility, the biggest on-dock railway terminal of any port in the Mediterranean, connecting it to traffic coming from, and destined for, Southern Europe.

ZAL Port is claimed as the most important logistics platform in the Mediterranean. Through promoting the integration of transport and distribution activities, it aims to attract maritime traffic with value-added logistic services.