The Port Authority of Alicante (APA) is promoting the ‘Portali-Frio’ project, an open and sustainable initiative to equip the port with a next-generation cold storage facility. For this purpose, it has launched a Preliminary Market Consultation (CPM) for the development of the project aimed at defining the most efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced implementation model. The objective of the consultation is to gather proposals, ideas, and solutions from the different market players—companies, logistics operators, and technology entities—in order to configure a strategic infrastructure that reinforces the port’s competitiveness, diversifies its service offerings, and enhances its role as a logistics hub specialized in perishable goods and high value-added products.
The purpose of this consultation is not to select a contractor, but to listen to the market to learn about the available solutions, technological trends, and the most suitable business models before drafting the tender documents for a future public competition. The contributions received will be integrated into a conclusions report, which will serve as the basis for the eventual call for a public administrative concession tender.
The Port Authority emphasizes that this consultation represents a demonstration of its commitment to transparency, openness, and collaborative innovation, offering the sector the opportunity to actively participate in the definition of a strategic infrastructure for the future of the port. The ‘Portali-Frio’ project is part of the APA’s overall strategy to move towards a greener, more digital, and interconnected port, contributing to the decarbonization, energy efficiency, and circular economy objectives promoted by Puertos del Estado and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility.
Refrigeration technologies
The future facility aims to become a Mediterranean benchmark in sustainable port innovation, incorporating high-efficiency refrigeration technologies, automation and digital traceability systems, and energy solutions based on renewable sources. The model will minimize CO₂ emissions associated with refrigeration and improve operational efficiency in the handling and storage of agricultural, fisheries, and pharmaceutical goods, guaranteeing the optimal temperature conditions and traceability required by international markets.
The Port Authority of Alicante opts for the formula of a public domain occupancy concession, so that the future cold storage facility will be developed and managed by specialized private operators, under conditions of transparency, legal security, and economic sustainability. The plot intended for the construction of the cold storage facility offers a minimum area of approximately 3,000 square meters, with the possibility of expansion in subsequent phases by an additional 2,000 square meters, depending on the solution proposed by the operator, considering both the logistical needs and the technical and business capabilities required for the efficient operation of the port space.
This space is designed to house advanced refrigeration facilities that favor the handling and storage of perishable goods, frozen products, and pharmaceuticals, thereby covering the most demanding logistics traffic of the port of Alicante.
The installation of a new-generation cold storage facility will allow the port of Alicante to capture traffic currently served by other ports with refrigerated infrastructure, generating new export and import flows of agricultural, fishing, and pharmaceutical products. This advancement will strengthen the port’s position in the field of controlled temperature logistics, a segment of high strategic value for the productive fabric of southeastern Spain, characterized by the strength of the fruit and vegetable, food, and pharmaceutical sectors.
Furthermore, the project aligns with the objectives of creating qualified employment, attracting new investments, and improving the competitiveness of the territory, consolidating Alicante as a sustainable logistics hub at the service of the blue economy and agri-food exports. The submission deadline will remain open until November 6.
