Cartagena awards two Escombreras plots to Ership and Bunge

The Port Authority of Cartagena has awarded two plots at the Escombreras quay to Ership and Bunge Ibérica, a decision ratified by the Port Authority board attended by Mayor Noelia Arroyo.

Concession details

The 15,200 m² plot was granted to Ership for 40 years for solid bulk operations, with a minimum annual traffic commitment of 250,000 tonnes. The port will receive approximately €93,000 per year in occupancy fees plus €0.18/tonne. Ership plans significant investment in warehouses, hoppers, conveyor belts, solar panels and dust-control systems, as well as corporate social responsibility initiatives.

The larger plot, nearly 50,000 m², went to Bunge Ibérica under a 25-year contract for handling, storage and treatment of residues linked to biofuels. The concession guarantees a minimum annual traffic of 376,000 tonnes, with the port receiving €430,000 per year in occupancy fees and €0.87/tonne. The project is presented as reinforcing the port’s focus on liquid bulk and its energy transition in the Valle de Escombreras.

With these awards, the port says it secures more than 650,000 tonnes annually and attracts private investment to optimise its increasingly limited space amid growing bulk traffic.

The board also approved the start of works to duplicate the main access road to the dock, with a budget of €11.6 million aimed at improving safety and traffic flow.

Two remaining plots still require resolution after competitive bids. Port Authority president Pedro Pablo Hernández said the investments demonstrate operator confidence in Cartagena and will help improve efficiency and service for port traffics.