Letter from the Managing Director
I offer this review with the sense of responsibility that befits my role as Managing Director of Logistics Express. The year 2024 was a stress test for the logistics sector: we experienced moments of regulatory pressure, rising costs and disruptive change. But it was also a year of lessons, consolidation and the design of our next strategic cycle.
General Overview 2024: Lights and Shadows
In 2024, road freight transport in Spain and Portugal grew by approximately 2.4%, according to published data (Europa Press). That figure masks what it meant to operate with compressed margins, escalating energy prices and infrastructure that in many cases could not meet growing demand.
From a regulatory standpoint, the end of the year brought progress and friction: the next phase of the NCTS transit system (Phase 5) continued its rollout, albeit with technical obstacles and gradual adaptations. The AES system experienced delays and deadline adjustments — in many cases forcing internal calendars to be revised — and changes to DUAs, container identification and technical documentation required rapid adaptation from operators and freight forwarders.
Another key factor was global maritime trade tensions and port competition. Spain is at a crossroads: while some Mediterranean and North African hubs are gaining logistics appeal, our ports must reinvent themselves to avoid losing volume. Add to this the news (confirmed in 2025) of Baleària’s acquisition of a large part of Armas Trasmediterránea, which is reshaping Spain’s shipping map for Canary Islands, Alborán and part of the Strait routes. ([Baleària – official statement](https://www.balearia.com/es/sala-prensa/notas-prensa/balearia-cierra-acuerdos-para-la-adquisicion-de-la naviera-armas-trasmediterranea))
This acquisition, pending regulatory approval, concentrates routes, vessels and strategic assets, creating both opportunities and risks of concentration of power in domestic maritime transport. (Cinco Días, Forbes España)
Ceuta: Strategic Enclave with Persistent Challenges
In 2024 and January 2025, the issue of commercial customs between Ceuta and Morocco was back on the agenda. The original plan was to open commercial customs on 8 January, but technical problems and Moroccan blockages thwarted those plans. (Huffington Post)
The situation caused surprise at local and national level: the promised reopening did not fully materialise, generating frustration in Ceuta’s business community. (The Objective)
Furthermore, shipping lines operating between Algeciras and Ceuta reduced their cargo capacity by up to 25% in 2025, according to port sources, directly impacting transit logistics, transport costs and vessel availability. (Cadena SER)
For Logistics Express, Ceuta represents not just a transit point but a service hub where we must offer agility, documentary certainty and support in the face of border obstacles. In 2025 we will strengthen our road operations, customs coordination and alternative maritime routes to mitigate impacts.
Melilla: Growing Connectivity and Volume
Melilla closed 2024 with a record volume of maritime and air passengers. According to Port records and statistical data, total maritime passengers in Melilla grew by 6.27% compared to the previous year. (Wikipedia – passenger data)
Furthermore, Melilla’s airport had its best year ever: 507,957 passengers and 10,977 operations, exceeding the estimated capacity of 500,000 travellers. (Wikipedia – Melilla airport) The airport’s Category 3C classification will allow the operation of larger aircraft, potentially improving connectivity with the mainland and the islands.
But Melilla is not without its political and customs challenges: the reopening of commercial customs remains imprecise, with promises that have not been fully delivered due to technical blockages or political disagreements between Spain and Morocco. (El Nacional)
For Logistics Express, Melilla is a logistics expansion point where we must capture new traffic opportunities and consolidate regional operations. In 2025 we will improve our route structure, secure local inventories and strengthen alliances with local operators.
Gibraltar: Border Effect and Revised Customs
The agreement between Spain, the United Kingdom and the European Union on Gibraltar has attracted the attention of the customs and logistics sector. The General Council of Customs Agents is analysing the effects this agreement will have on agents and operators in the border area. (Diario El Canal)
For us, Gibraltar may represent a sensitive transit point: customs adjustments, new regulations and revised border controls that cannot be taken lightly. We will anticipate entry and exit scenarios, calibrating our customs protocols in response to new treaties and emerging controls.
Balearic Islands and Canary Islands: Maritime Routes and Shipping Reorganisation
The Balearic and Canary archipelagos are strategic markets of continuous logistics demand. In 2025, one of the most significant announcements is Baleària’s purchase of a large part of Armas Trasmediterránea’s operations, including routes in the Canary Islands, Alborán and part of the Strait. ([Baleària – official statement](https://www.balearia.com/es/sala-prensa/notas-prensa/balearia-cierra-acuerdos-para-la-adquisicion-de-la naviera-armas-trasmediterranea))
This operation significantly reorganises maritime offerings between the mainland, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands, concentrating shipping assets, routes and fleet. (Cinco Días)
The integration of Armas into Baleària represents an opportunity to consolidate more efficient regular routes, improve combined service offerings (ferry + road) and optimise port stopovers. But it also brings risks of local monopoly or logistics bottlenecks if not properly regulated.
From our perspective at Logistics Express, we will strengthen our maritime-road interconnection capacity, negotiate favourable terms and deploy integrated services between the islands and the mainland with high reliability.
Challenges We Face and Strategic Priorities for 2025
The challenges are many. We need to stabilise customs flows, adapt to new regulations, manage shipping consolidation, ensure local connectivity and maintain resilience in the face of geopolitical disruptions. But it is precisely in the face of these challenges that competitive advantages are built.
My priorities for 2025 are:
- Strengthening customs and regulatory operations: anticipate NCTS, AES and DUA changes with internal training, robust systems and continuous monitoring.
- Investment in intelligent logistics infrastructure: automated warehouses, lean processes, IoT and end-to-end traceability.
- Strategic territorial development: reinforce presence in Ceuta and Melilla, local alliances and secure routes; explore new island connections.
- Proactive maritime strategy: adapt routes in response to shipping reorganisation, negotiate multi-stopover contracts and manage contingencies.
- Human capital and technical talent: attract and retain specialist profiles, training plans, strong corporate culture.
- Authoritative and transparent communication: generate proprietary content, give voice to clients by explaining decisions, strategic institutional visibility.
Final Summary: Vision with Authority
2024 was a year that demanded adaptability, decisiveness and resilience from us. Not everything was adversity: we also built strengths. But the context changes rapidly. Spain’s shipping landscape is shifting with moves such as the Baleària–Armas consolidation. Ceuta and Melilla remain territories of customs tension. The Balearic Islands and Canary Islands are axes of strategic naval competition. Gibraltar is reconfiguring border controls. On that map, Logistics Express aspires to position itself as a trusted partner — flexible, prepared to anticipate, and capable of delivering.
My commitment to you — client, partner or ally — is firm: you will have transparency, data-driven decisions, strategic leadership and a logistics presence capable of weathering the challenges ahead. I am confident that 2025 will be the year we take decisive steps towards consolidating our brand, strengthening national and international routes and making every operation a promise kept.
I am at your disposal to discuss, outline specific strategies or address concerns. Contact us here.
MJ
Managing Director – Logistics Express
