34 Algeciras Throughput: 3,324,310teu (-2.6%)

In a bid to halt the decline in volumes, the port of Algeciras has frozen all tariffs for ships at 2008 prices. The port confirms that volumes are down as a direct result of the global economic crisis and volumes for 2009 are expected to fall to 3m teu.

Despite the recession, Total Terminal International Algeciras (TTIA), the Hanjin Shipping subsidiary, is to push ahead with plans for a new terminal with an annual capacity of 1.5m teu. The US$167m project will cover an area of 29.3ha, with two quays of 650 metres and 550 metres long.

Hanjin, which expects to open its new facility before June next year, says it hopes to handle 800,000teu in the first year of operation. Eight super post-panamax STS cranes and 32 RTGs will arrive at the TTIA terminal by the end of 2009.

Elsewhere, the Isla Verde Exterior will see 120ha of land reclaimed by the beginning of 2010, with 72ha devoted to containers. At Campamento, some 80ha will be used for traffic diversification, the port tells Cargo Systems.

The port is also developing a 300ha logistics area, 10km from the terminals and connected to both road and rail services.

Transhipment cargo accounts for some 95% of the port's business, but improving hinterland connections could change this. The port now has 26 weekly freight train services linking it to inland intermodal terminals.