The Port of Barcelona and Busan Port Authority (BPA) have signed a comprehensive twinning agreement to accelerate collaboration in maritime decarbonization, smart port digitalization, and international logistics. This partnership reinforces the existing B2B Logistics Busan Barcelona Hub and sets a new global benchmark for sustainable port-city integration and green energy transition.
Barcelona, Busan | March 26, 2026 – In a move to solidify one of the maritime world’s most productive intercontinental partnerships, the Port of Barcelona and the Busan Port Authority (BPA) have signed a formal twinning agreement. The pact focuses on four pillars: environmental sustainability, advanced digitalization, port-city integration, and joint international cooperation.
The agreement was signed today at the Port of Barcelona headquarters by José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona, and Song Sang-Keun, President and CEO of the Busan Port Authority, following a high-level institutional visit and maritime inspection of Barcelona’s latest infrastructure projects.
A Blueprint for the Next-Generation Port
The agreement establishes a framework for the exchange of “good practices” and technical expertise, specifically targeting the energy transition. Key focus areas include:
- Decarbonization & Green Ports: Joint research into emission reduction, energy transition strategies, and protective environmental measures.
- Smart Port Innovation: Collaboration on digital technologies and operational efficiency solutions to streamline global supply chains.
- Multimodal Integration: Sharing expertise on regenerating seafronts and developing sustainable urban-port infrastructures.
- Global Synergies: Exploring joint port development projects in third countries and analyzing emerging international market trends.
Building on a Proven Partnership
The relationship between the two ports is already anchored by the B2B Logistics Busan Barcelona Hub. Operational since 2022 and located in the ZAL Barcelona, this stable logistics platform serves as a critical bridge for trade between Northeast Asia, Southern Europe, and North Africa. By forming this hub, both ports have already demonstrated a successful model for shared investment and consolidated trade flows.
Leadership Perspectives
The signing marks a new chapter for both leaders, who emphasized the role of ports as drivers of the global green economy.
José Alberto Carbonell, President of the Port of Barcelona said “The development and transformation strategy of the Port of Barcelona is built on sustainability and innovation. This agreement with Busan positions both ports as global benchmarks, allowing us to share the knowledge necessary to meet the maritime industry’s evolving environmental and digital demands.”
Song Sang-Keun, President & CEO of Busan Port Authority said “Busan and Barcelona share a vision for the future of maritime logistics. By deepening our collaboration, we are not only strengthening the trade bridge between Korea and Catalonia but also leading the way in sustainable port development on an international scale.”
About the Partners
Port of Busan
The Port of Busan is the largest port in South Korea and the world’s sixth-busiest container port. Serving as a primary transshipment hub for Northeast Asia, the BPA is currently undergoing a multi-billion dollar expansion, including the development of the Jinhae New Port, which aims to integrate fully automated piers and extensive green bunkering infrastructure for methanol and ammonia by 2030.
Port of Barcelona
As Spain’s leading port for international traffic and the Mediterranean’s primary logistics gateway, the Port of Barcelona is a pioneer in the “Smart Port” concept. Through its Nexigen shore-power plan and extensive rail-link developments, the port is focused on becoming a carbon-neutral energy hub while maintaining its status as a premier destination for cruises, ferries, and high-value general cargo.
Source: Port of Barcelona