Shanghai and Barcelona deepen green fuel ties

This agreement formally establishes a “sister ports” relationship between the two port authorities, consolidating Barcelona’s role as a Euro-Mediterranean logistics hub while deepening links with one of the world’s largest economic centres. 

“The agreement officially establishes the ‘sister ports’ relationship between Shanghai and Barcelona and aims to boost cooperation in areas such as the digitalisation and security of port operations; developing green ports and alternative fuels; intermodality and fostering sustainable maritime corridors between the Far East and the Mediterranean,” the Port of Barcelona said in a statement.

Green shipping focus

Signed by Port of Barcelona president José Alberto Carbonell, Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission general director Xiao Hui and Shanghai International Port Group vice president Yang ZhiYong, the deal focuses on digitalisation, port security, intermodality and the development of green shipping corridors between the Mediterranean and the Far East.

The partnership builds on a preliminary agreement signed in July 2025 and comes as Barcelona accelerates investment in methanol and alternative fuels infrastructure.

In February 2026, the port announced plans to launch a commercial tender for methanol bunkering services, with a pilot operation expected later this year as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy.

The move forms part of the port’s broader strategy to accelerate the uptake of low- and zero-emission marine fuels.