Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona: new 2,000-space multi-storey car park with photovoltaic panels

The Grimaldi Group is expanding the Port of Barcelona’s logistics capacity with a new automotive facility combining additional storage space, a direct rail connection and renewable energy generation. On 13 October, Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona unveiled its new multi-storey car park, which can accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles and features an impressive 6,000 m² array of photovoltaic panels capable of meeting the terminal’s energy needs. The facility is set to become operational next month.

More space and greater operational efficiency

Built on a site of approximately 7,500 m², the car park comprises five levels, offering a total floor area of around 37,500 m². It is designed to make optimal use of port space, enhance vehicle storage and streamline handling ahead of loading onto ships or onward distribution.

A key feature of the project is the direct connection to the rail terminal at the Costa quay. This will facilitate the transfer of vehicles arriving by train to the storage areas, reducing internal transport distances and improving traffic flows.

“To capitalize on the opportunities arising from changes in international automotive traffic, we need maritime links, operational efficiency and, above all, sufficient storage capacity,” said Grimaldi Logistica España Managing Director Mario Massarotti, emphasizing how the investment will help the terminal to meet future market demand.

Strategic hub for traffic from Asia

The increase in storage capacity is particularly significant given the growing flow of vehicles from Asia to Europe, driven in large part by rising Chinese exports. These are forecast to reach some 10 million vehicles in 2026, with around 2 million destined for Europe, including approximately 250,000 for Spain. Against this backdrop, as Massarotti pointed out, Barcelona is well placed to further strengthen its position as a gateway and distribution hub for vehicles entering the European market.

Around 30 Grimaldi fleet vessels are currently deployed on regular services linking Asia with other markets; they include the latest-generation, ammonia-ready car carriers, which offer exceptionally high cargo capacity. These intercontinental connections are complemented by the Group’s EuroMed and Short Sea networks, which ensure onward transport of vehicles to major distribution hubs across Europe.

Renewable energy to meet the terminal’s needs

The project also includes a photovoltaic system featuring solar panels installed across 6,000 m² of rooftop space. With an installed capacity of 1,238 kWp, the system is expected to generate 1,695 MWh of electricity a year, which corresponds to the terminal’s total annual energy consumption.

The system is complemented by a 1.3 MWh battery storage unit that retains surplus electricity for use when needed.

Investments in Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona

Since taking over the concession at the Catalan port in 2012, the Grimaldi Group has invested approximately €45 million in Grimaldi Terminal Barcelona. A further €5 million is currently earmarked for modernizing access points, automating gate procedures, and upgrading pavement surfaces and infrastructure.

In 2025, the terminal handled 2,400 port calls, 305,000 trucks and semi-trailers, 185,000 cars and more than 1.1 million passengers, confirming its role as a key hub in the Group’s network.

The new multi-storey car park and photovoltaic system mark a further step towards developing a terminal that can accommodate growing traffic volumes while enhancing intermodal connectivity and energy efficiency, thus further strengthening Barcelona’s position as a major player in vehicle distribution across the European market.