The study, conducted by experts in economics and infrastructure regulation Lourdes Trujillo and Andrea Rodríguez from the ULPGC's PORMAR Chair, evaluates how new logistics trends and port infrastructures in West Africa may affect the strategic positioning of the Canarian port, identifying competitive challenges and opportunities for development and cooperation.
The report highlights the significance of this research line for the Canary Islands, given their insularity, remoteness, and external dependence, which make maritime transport and port infrastructure essential for their economic and social development. The competitiveness and resilience of the port system are determining factors for supply continuity and the well-being of the population.
It analyzes the position of the Canary Islands and the Port of Las Palmas as a connection hub between Europe, Africa, and America, with particular attention to the Dakhla Atlantique project and its potential impact. Despite emerging competition, the consolidated position of Las Palmas, built on decades of development, relationships with shipping companies, and specialized services, is emphasized.
The study also examines container traffic and ship bunkering, as well as maritime flows between the Canary Islands and Africa, which present a scenario of increasing port competition. Regulatory differences, such as the EU's maritime transport decarbonization requirements, are considered in contrast to third-country ports.
The main message of the report is that the Port of Las Palmas should not view West African port development solely in terms of competition, but rather reinforce its own competitiveness and leverage areas of complementarity and cooperation. Challenges include improving maritime connectivity, modernizing infrastructure and services, digitalization, adapting to the energy transition, and strengthening the relationship with African markets.
The work benefited from the collaboration of Fernando González Laxe, emeritus professor of Applied Economics at the University of A Coruña and former president of Puertos del Estado, and María del Mar Cerbán Jiménez, titular professor of Applied Economics at the University of Cádiz.
