Port of Barcelona approves €104.5 million cruise terminal redevelopment
The Port of Barcelona has approved a revision to the concession held by Creuers del Port de Barcelona, advancing plans to replace the existing Terminal C at Adossat quay with a new cruise terminal involving an investment of €104.5 million.
The decision, approved by the Port Authority’s Board of Directors on 28 October, forms part of a wider reorganisation of Barcelona’s cruise infrastructure, under which the number of cruise terminals will be reduced from seven to five.
Under the approved arrangement, the existing Terminal C will be demolished and replaced by a new facility at the same location. Once the replacement terminal becomes operational, the existing Terminals A and B will also be demolished, allowing further redevelopment of the quay.
The final cruise operation at the existing Terminal C is scheduled for 1 November 2026, after which the process of vacating and demolishing the building will begin.
The redevelopment follows an agreement reached between the Port of Barcelona and Barcelona City Council in July 2025 to reorganise cruise activity and reduce its environmental impact.
New terminal to incorporate shore power infrastructure
The replacement Terminal C will have a built area of 11,253 square metres and will incorporate photovoltaic electricity generation and onshore power supply (OPS) systems, allowing compatible cruise vessels to connect to the electrical grid while berthed.
The development also includes relocating the existing roundabout providing access to Adossat quay, improvements to surrounding roads and intermodal areas, and construction of a new passenger embarkation and disembarkation walkway.
According to the Port Authority, the terminal will be open for general use rather than reserved exclusively for a single cruise operator.
Of the €104.5 million planned investment, more than €50 million will be allocated to construction of the new terminal building.
The concession revision also extends the operating period for the new Terminal C. The existing concession was due to expire in 2030, with an option for extension until 2033. Under the revised terms, the new terminal’s concession will run until 2050, with a possible extension to 2053.
Further reconstruction planned at Adossat quay
Following the commissioning of the new Terminal C and the demolition of Terminals A and B, the Port of Barcelona plans to undertake a separate reconstruction of approximately 660 metres of Adossat quay.
The section, constructed more than 70 years ago, requires comprehensive renewal. The Port Authority is preparing a rehabilitation project that will maintain the quay’s alignment with the remaining Adossat infrastructure.
The construction tender is expected to be launched in the coming months, with works provisionally scheduled to begin towards the end of 2029.
The quay reconstruction project has an estimated budget of €42 million and an anticipated construction period of 24 months.
Together, the terminal redevelopment and planned quay improvements form part of the Port of Barcelona’s broader programme to modernise cruise infrastructure and reorganise passenger operations within the port.
