Aveiro, Portugal | November 14, 2025 – The Port of Aveiro’s Liquid Bulk Terminal has reached a new operational peak with the arrival of the KAREN MAERSK, the largest vessel ever to call at the terminal. The tanker docked at Pier 26 on November 12, 2025, delivering a massive cargo of fuel destined for the Portuguese energy company PRIO.
The vessel, measuring nearly 184 meters in length and 28 meters in width, transported approximately 24,000 tons of fuel from the Middle East. This milestone underscores the success of recent infrastructure investments designed to modernize the port and handle larger global traffic.
Infrastructure Upgrades Pay Off
The record-breaking call was made possible by a significant modernization project completed last year. The Port of Aveiro replaced the fenders and mooring bollards at Pier 26 to specifically accommodate ships with a displacement of up to 40,000 tons.
Prior to these upgrades, the terminal’s capacity was more limited. The new equipment ensures:
- Enhanced Safety: Modern fender systems provide better energy absorption during berthing.
- Increased Displacement Capacity: The pier can now safely secure vessels significantly larger than previous limits.
- Market Competitiveness: The port can now respond to the growing demand for large-scale energy imports, such as those required by PRIO’s expanding operations.
Strategic Impact for PRIO and the Region
For PRIO, which operates extensively at the terminal, the ability to receive larger shipments directly from the Middle East improves supply chain efficiency and supports the company’s role as a major energy hub in Portugal.
“This operation demonstrates not only the operational capacity of the Liquid Bulk Terminal but also the Port of Aveiro’s continued commitment to strengthening its competitiveness,” PRIO stated in a recent update.
The KAREN MAERSK completed unloading operations and departed on November 14, bound for Rotterdam, Netherlands. For PRIO, this landmark call reinforces its role as a major force in the Iberian energy market.
PRIO, which operates a state-of-the-art biodiesel plant and a significant tank farm at the terminal, continues to push for maritime decarbonization through its “ECO Bunkers” and advanced biofuel blends. By scaling its supply chain to accept larger direct shipments from global markets, PRIO is better equipped to meet the rising demand for sustainable marine fuels while ensuring high-quality, competitive distribution across its extensive network in Portugal and Spain.
Strategic Importance and Infrastructure Future
The arrival of the KAREN MAERSK is a direct result of the Port of Aveiro’s “PORTOS 5+” strategic plan, which focuses on modernizing infrastructure to recover cargo flows and enhance national competitiveness.
By successfully handling a vessel of this scale, the Bulk Liquid Terminal proves its readiness for the next generation of energy logistics. With ongoing investments in digital gateways and high-voltage electrical grids for Onshore Power Supply (OPS), the port is positioning itself not just as a regional leader, but as a primary green energy hub in the Atlantic Corridor of the TEN-T network.
About Port of Aveiro
Located on the western coast of Portugal, the Port of Aveiro is a modern, multifunctional logistics hub serving the Iberian Peninsula. As Portugal’s newest national port infrastructure, it is a well-planned industrial gateway featuring seven specialized terminals, including a key Liquid Bulk Terminal integrated with biodiesel plants and major energy players like PRIO. Its strategic design avoids urban congestion while offering direct multimodal connectivity via the Atlantic rail corridor and major motorways.
Recent modernization efforts, particularly at Pier 26, have significantly boosted the port’s technical capabilities, now allowing it to handle vessels up to 200 meters in length and 50,000 tons of displacement. With a 100-hectare logistics zone (ZALI) and a growing focus on sustainability and digitalization, the Port of Aveiro continues to strengthen its competitive edge, handling over 5.5 million tons of cargo annually as a vital link in global trade routes.
PRIO: Leading the Way in Sustainable Energy Solutions
PRIO is a leading Portuguese energy company and the country’s largest biofuel producer, as well as one of Europe’s leading biodiesel producers using waste-based raw materials. Operating a state-of-the-art facility at the Port of Aveiro, PRIO controls the entire value chain, from feedstock collection and refining to storage and supply, ensuring high quality, traceability, and reliability for maritime customers.
Source: PRIO | Port of Aveiro