Managing Director’s Letter
The April review and May 2025 outlook confirm a clear trend: we are living through an expansion cycle in the Spanish logistics sector, though not without its tensions. I believe it is essential not only to celebrate growth, but also to flag the risks that could undermine the sustainability of this momentum.
Review of the Previous Month
April closed with some significant news: the Baraka logistics expansion project in Antequera — which cements Andalusia’s position as a strategic hub for the Peninsula — was highlighted by Cadena SER. This reflects a real dynamic: the supply of quality logistics land is growing, but so is competition for projects, investment and talent.
Yet the port statistics remind us of the other side of the coin. Spanish port traffic up to May fell 2.9%, with a slight uptick in import-export TEUs (+7.2%), according to Europa Press. This adjustment confirms that we need to rethink our supply chains, strengthen value segments and diversify markets.
Employment remains a critical point: Spain will need between 11,500 and 17,500 new logistics professionals over the coming years, according to El Economista. At Logistics Express, we already feel this in the difficulty of recruiting qualified technical and operational profiles. We have therefore activated agreements with vocational training colleges and universities to build our talent pipeline.
In parallel, geopolitics continues to shape our routes: the US decision to prioritise the port of Tánger-Med over Algeciras, reported by Diario AS, is a warning sign for the entire Spanish sector. The Strait of Gibraltar remains an arena of fierce competition, where resilience and a differentiated value proposition are more necessary than ever.
Impact on Logistics Express
For Logistics Express, the reading is clear: we must grow, but sustainably. This means:
- Controlled territorial expansion: we are analysing strategic hubs such as Antequera, Valencia and Algeciras for new platforms.
- Active talent management: continuous internal training, programmes to attract young professionals and retention of key profiles.
- Resilience in the face of port pressures: diversification of maritime providers and strengthening of alternative connections.
- Environmental commitment: preparing our network to meet new emissions requirements and clean urban transport standards.
Ceuta
In Ceuta, the customs balance is still in a pilot phase. Only a few tonnes have moved in recent weeks, demonstrating that the border is not yet a reliable route. At Logistics Express, we maintain our focus on maritime routes and on streamlining documentation for clients who depend on this enclave.
Melilla
In Melilla, the first steps towards the customs reopening are tentative but strategic. We are preparing to take advantage of any real progress, reinforcing procedures and local presence to lead operations when the flow normalises.
Gibraltar
Negotiations between Spain, the United Kingdom and the EU are progressing slowly. Any regulatory change will affect our clients in transit through the area. We are ready to implement adaptive plans and ensure continuity.
Balearic Islands and Canary Islands
The islands remain conditioned by the possible definitive consolidation between Baleària and Armas. This could reshape rates and frequencies. Our strategy is to anticipate and negotiate agreements that secure stable, competitive capacity.
Personal and Business Vision
Let me be direct: growth is not simply a matter of building more warehouses or adding routes. Growth means consolidating a solid, sustainable and human-centred business model. The talent shortage is, in my view, the greatest risk facing the sector. I believe the future will be decided by our ability to attract, train and retain professionals.
The logistics expansion we are experiencing must not blind us to what matters. My commitment as Managing Director is to maintain a balance between growth and resilience, between innovation and stability, between investment and sustainability.
Looking Ahead
For the coming months, my priorities are:
- Consolidating expansion projects at strategic hubs.
- Extending training agreements and talent programmes.
- Preparing our network for geopolitical and port pressures.
- Adapting our operations to new environmental requirements.
At Logistics Express, we aspire to be more than an operator: we want to be a strategic partner capable of anticipating risk and seizing opportunity. Contact us here if you would like to discuss how we can build this new chapter together.
MJ Managing Director – Logistics Express
