Overview

• Official port data show a 21% surge in cruise ship calls and a 20% rise in passenger traffic to 1.2 million in January-May 2025.
• Under the agreement, the port will consolidate from seven terminals to five, reducing simultaneous handling capacity by 6,000 passengers to 31,000.
• Refurbishment plans include installing onshore power facilities so ships can plug into the local grid and cut emissions in port.
• The port authority will prioritize vessels using Barcelona as a home port and incentivize longer stays to boost local spending.
• Local protests over overcrowding at cultural landmarks have intensified pressure on officials to manage cruise traffic.