Category Archives: International logistics

In 2024, Mediterranean ports handled more than 68 million TEUs, consolidating their position as key points on international shipping routes. This growth represents a 6% increase over 2023, driven by the reconfiguration of supply chains and shipping companies’ commitment to hubs near the Suez Canal. Spain, with strategic locations such as Valencia, Barcelona and Algeciras, is leading this expansion and positioning itself as one of the main gateways for goods entering Europe, channelling more than 60% of the country’s maritime trade.

In this scenario, Smart Logistics, a logistics operator that is part of Alonso Group, is present in these areas to provide solutions that connect the European port network with major global trade flows and promote internationalisation.

Expanding ports

Mediterranean ports are experiencing a period of growth that reflects their importance in global trade. The diversification of trade routes, the search for alternatives to the major corridors of northern Europe, and the increase in container traffic have brought prominence to enclaves such as Valencia (with more than 5.2 million TEUs in 2024), Barcelona, Algeciras, and Tangier Med.

In addition, infrastructure investments exceeded €1.2 billion in the region last year, with projects to expand maritime terminals and improve rail links connecting ports with the continent’s main logistics hubs. These ports not only channel goods to and from Asia, Africa and America, but also act as logistics platforms for redistribution throughout Europe.

Companies such as Smart Logistics have taken advantage of this momentum, expanding their presence in European ports and providing technology to optimise supply chains. This expansion reflects how Spanish innovation is helping to make international logistics more competitive, with solutions that integrate real-time traceability and digital platforms for cargo management.

Progress towards decarbonisation

Along with expansion, sustainability has become a priority for maritime transport and port authorities. Spain is leading projects to electrify docks—such as the OPS plan in Valencia and Barcelona—improve rail connections, and reduce emissions in major ports.

These investments, totalling more than €500 million over the next three years, seek not only to meet European decarbonisation targets, but also to transform ports into more efficient and environmentally friendly spaces.

In this transition towards so-called ‘green ports’, logistics companies are providing digital solutions that help reduce waiting times, optimise routes and decrease the carbon footprint of operations. Their commitment to sustainable innovation reinforces the idea that the future of maritime trade will be as competitive as it is environmentally responsible.

These milestones mark a new era for European logistics, with its international expansion and contribution to the digitalisation and decarbonisation of the sector.

Global seaborne trade is in a period of redefinition. Shipping alliances, which for years have been key to ensuring operational efficiency and international coverage, are changing in the face of strategic fragmentation and trade tensions.

At the same time, the tariffs imposed by the United States are introducing a factor of instability that may alter the balance of maritime transport achieved in recent decades. In this context, Smart Logistics, an international logistics operator, is closely monitoring these changes and analysing their impact on the sector in order to adapt to the new dynamics of global trade.

New maritime alliances

Maritime alliances are essential to ensure global connectivity, optimise cargo volumes and ensure economies of scale. In 2025, that model is changing. The dissolution of the historic 2M alliance has given way to new partnerships more focused on operational efficiency and sustainability.

One example is the Gemini Cooperation (a joint venture between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd), which operates almost 300 vessels on key routes between Asia and Europe. Other major alliances, such as the Ocean Alliance, comprising CMA CGM, COSCO Shipping, Evergreen and OOCL and THE Alliance, comprising ONE (Ocean Network Express), HMM and Yang Ming, maintain their leadership by strengthening services especially on the transpacific axis. The Ocean Alliance manages a combined capacity in excess of 4 million TEUs, while THE Alliance exceeds 3 million TEUs, enabling them to sustain regular frequencies and global coverage in an increasingly competitive market.

These clusters allow infrastructure sharing, cost reduction and wider route coverage without the need for very large individual fleets. However, their structure must also adapt to a stricter legal environment, such as the end of the European CBER framework, which regulated these collaborations with certain exemptions.

Tariffs: risk to shipping stability

As shipping lines redraw their alliances, new challenges emerge on the political and trade front. The US has implemented high tariffs on goods from around the world. This tariff policy, which affects a wide range of goods from manufactured goods to raw materials, is putting significant economic pressure on the global logistics industry. According to experts, these tariffs could represent a cost overrun of up to $20 billion per year for the industry.

These trade barriers not only make shipments more expensive, but also chill possible agreements between companies in Asia, Europe or America, alter routes and cargoes, and push up freight rates. Political decisions that force shipping lines and logistics operators to redefine strategies in the short and medium term.

On the road to a more sustainable future, the transport and logistics sector is facing regulatory changes that will define its operations. Various initiatives and projects from 2025 onwards will play a leading role in reducing emissions and integrating clean technologies.

In this sense, logistics companies have a key role to play in this decarbonisation of the sector. Smart Logistics, a logistics operator integrated in the logistics division of Alonso Group, applies measures to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact, such as route optimisation and intermodality. The integration of these sustainable practices contributes to more environmentally responsible logistics within a comprehensive approach to solutions.

Some of the main measures that will change the logistics landscape in the coming years:

1. Implementation of the FuelEU Maritime Regulation

From 1 January 2025, the FuelEU Maritime Regulation has entered into force, obliging ships over 5,000 tonnes to progressively reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of the fuels used. An initial target of 2% is set for 2025, with a gradual reduction to 80% by 2050. This legislation will encourage the use of cleaner fuels and investment in sustainable propulsion technologies.

2. Entry into force of the EU ETS (EU ETS)

In turn, since 2024, shipping has been included in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), which obliges shipping companies to pay for their CO₂ emissions. During 2025, this scheme will apply to 70% of emissions from journeys between the EU and third countries, with full coverage expected by 2026. This measure aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime transport.

3. Increase of the Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA) to 44 tonnes

For land transport, the new regulation allows for an increase in the Maximum Authorised Mass (MMA) to 44 tonnes, thus optimising logistical efficiency. With trucks capable of carrying more cargo in a single trip, a reduction in emissions per tonne transported is expected, a move in favour of sustainability on the road.

4. Rail as a tool for decarbonisation

Rail transport is consolidating its position as the most sustainable alternative for reducing emissions in the logistics sector. The European Commission continues to promote its use to decongest roads and reduce the carbon footprint. By 2025, an increase in investment in rail infrastructure and intermodality is expected, facilitating the combination of different modes of transport with lower emissions.

5. Electrification of transport and use of renewable energies

Finally, the electrification of transport is advancing with new regulations promoting the use of electric vehicles, biofuels and green hydrogen. In addition, the expansion of charging infrastructures and the obligation to reduce emissions from logistics fleets are driving an accelerated transition to cleaner energy sources.

As regulations become more demanding and technologies more accessible, the ability of companies to adapt will be critical to remain competitive. The logistics of the future will not only be measured by its economic efficiency, but also by its commitment to sustainability, setting a new standard for global industry.

With the recent change of government in the United States, some protectionist policies have resurfaced, which could change the landscape of international trade relations. With the reactivation of tariffs and trade barriers, the US seeks to protect its domestic industry, but these decisions have global repercussions that could affect both supply chains and key trade routes around the world.

Impact on the global supply chain

One of the most immediate potential consequences of protectionism would be higher operating costs for businesses that rely on imports. New tariffs could make foreign products more expensive, decreasing the competitiveness of firms and possibly increasing the prices of goods for consumers.

For international companies operating global supply chains, it would imply the need to reconfigure their sourcing and distribution strategies. This could include sourcing new suppliers or relocating factories, which would add complexity to logistics management. In addition, these changes could extend lead times and increase uncertainty in production forecasts.

In the case of Smart Logistics, a forwarding company that operates internationally, its extensive experience in the logistics sector and its ability to adapt to changes in trade policies will enable it to minimise the impact of the new tariffs. Moreover, as part of Alonso Group, a leading international holding company, it has solid operational and strategic backing.

The Panama Canal: a new conflict on the horizon?

One of the main arteries of international maritime trade, the Panama Canal, could also play a role in new US policies. The new presidency has expressed its intention to ‘take it back’, which could alter the flow of trade and generate international tensions.

High tariffs and potential disputes over control of the canal could affect the volume of trade, increasing costs and disrupting global supply chains. A situation that would force logistics players to adapt their routes and strategies. China and the EU, in particular, would be pushed to explore alternative routes and reconfigure their supply chains to remain competitive.