SPAIN: Algeciras port authority ABPA has awarded Fesava a two-year contract to provide rail services at its Isla Verde Interior and Exterior terminals.
The port rail network was previously operated by ADIF under an agreement with APBA and Puertos del Estado, with rail freight operations managed by ADIF’s Logistic Services unit. This business is now being restructured, with terminal operations being put out to commercial tender.
Valued at €48·3m/year, the contract includes options for three one-year extensions. Fesavi beat bids from Transervi and a consortium of ALSA Ferrocarril and Jiménez Lopera.
The new operator is to provide services on a commercial basis, although the rates have yet to be agreed on with the port authority. Services will include shunting, moving wagons to and from loading and unloading locations, and positioning them for removal from the port for repairs. Fesava will be responsible for providing motive power.
Much of the intermodal traffic moving through Algeciras originates from Asia. Between January and November 2021, 30 607 TEU moved in and out of port by rail, a 65% increase on the previous year. Regular services connect Algeciras with the Abroñigal and Coslada terminals in Madrid, Azuqueca de Henares in Guadalajara, Barcelona and Zaragoza.
Reflecting the recent increase in traffic, plans are being developed for expansion of the rail facilities in the Isla Verde Exterior terminal.
