This agreement formally establishes a \u201csister ports\u201d relationship between the two port authorities, consolidating Barcelona\u2019s role as a Euro-Mediterranean logistics hub while deepening links with one of the world\u2019s largest economic centres. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe agreement officially establishes the \u2018sister ports\u2019 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,\u201d the Port of Barcelona said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Green shipping focus<\/strong><\/p>\n Signed by Port of Barcelona president Jos\u00e9 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.<\/p>\n The partnership builds on a preliminary agreement signed in July 2025 and comes as Barcelona accelerates investment in methanol and alternative fuels infrastructure.<\/p>\n In February 2026, the port announced plans to launch a commercial tender for methanol bunkering services<\/a>, with a pilot operation expected later this year as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy.<\/p>\n