Valenciaport and Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) have stepped up efforts to strengthen maritime and trade cooperation, hosting a joint business presentation for clients at the Shanghai Tower in Shanghai to highlight commercial opportunities between the two ports and advance collaboration on green shipping corridors.
The event was chaired by Mar Chao, President of Valenciaport, and Sam Liu, Vice President of SIPG, with the participation of Guoqiang Shi, CEO of CSP Spain. The presentation provided Chinese companies with insights into Valenciaport’s role as a strategic gateway to Spain and the wider European market.
China remains Valenciaport’s largest international market for container traffic. Between January and September 2026, the port handled 714,691 TEUs in trade with China, representing a 15.07% increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025. Cargo volumes also recorded strong growth, reaching 7.66 million tonnes, up 15.75% year-on-year.
The Port of Shanghai accounts for approximately 36% of Valenciaport’s trade with China, equivalent to around 2.3 million tonnes annually, underlining the importance of the bilateral maritime connection.
Valenciaport Positions Itself as a Gateway to Europe
Highlighting Valenciaport’s strategic location in the Western Mediterranean, Chao said the port serves as a major gateway for goods moving between Asia, Spain and other European markets. More than 100 regular shipping services connect Valenciaport with destinations across all five continents.
The visit was designed to give Chinese businesses a first-hand understanding of the port’s capabilities, including its extensive maritime connectivity, rail links to key industrial and logistics centres, and access to a hinterland covering a substantial share of Spain’s economy.
Valenciaport handles more than 40% of Spain’s total import and export traffic, reinforcing its importance in the country’s international trade and logistics network.
Chao described Valenciaport as a reliable and competitive partner for Chinese companies seeking to expand their international operations, adding that significant opportunities remain for deeper commercial and operational cooperation.
Digitalisation and Sustainability at the Centre of Cooperation
Digitalisation, innovation and sustainability have been identified as three priority areas for strengthening collaboration between Valenciaport and Chinese port stakeholders.
According to Chao, ports will increasingly compete on operational efficiency, connectivity and their ability to develop smarter and more sustainable logistics chains.
Valenciaport has been advancing the digitalisation of its port operations alongside its energy transition initiatives. Its Net Zero Emissions Plan sets a target of achieving net-zero emissions by the middle of the next decade, with measures including port equipment electrification, renewable energy deployment and shore-side electricity facilities for vessels.
The development of green corridors is expected to provide further opportunities for cooperation between the Spanish and Chinese maritime sectors, supporting more sustainable shipping and port operations.
Strengthening Valenciaport’s Presence in China
As part of the visit, Chao also attended the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where she held meetings with representatives from China’s logistics, port and business communities.
The engagements were aimed at increasing Valenciaport’s visibility in the Chinese market, developing commercial relationships and positioning the Spanish port as an attractive logistics gateway for Chinese companies seeking access to Spain and Europe.
With bilateral cargo volumes continuing to grow, the strengthened engagement between Valenciaport and SIPG reflects the expanding scope for cooperation in maritime trade, port innovation, digital transformation and the development of more sustainable shipping connections.