Managing Director’s Letter
The April review and May 2025 outlook present us with a clear reality: logistics in Spain is moving through an expansion cycle with extraordinary opportunities, but also tensions that demand strategic vision, resilience and adaptability. As Managing Director of Logistics Express, I want to share our reading of the market and the path we have mapped out for sustainable growth.
Review of the Previous Month
April confirmed several major logistics investment decisions. The Baraka project in Antequera stood out, cementing this location as one of the Iberian Peninsula’s most important hubs. Cadena SER reported the acquisition of logistics land for next-generation platforms, signalling growing competition in Andalusia and a strategic pole for multimodal transport.
At the same time, pressure on logistics talent is intensifying. El Economista estimated that Spain will need between 11,500 and 17,500 new professionals over the coming years. This reflects a structural challenge: the growing gap between the sector’s accelerating digitalisation and the real availability of professionals equipped to manage it.
On the regulatory front, environmental adjustments continue to take shape. Emissions regulations and clean urban transport standards are advancing in Brussels and Madrid, while in the customs sphere, the implementation of NCTS Phase 5 and AES continues, bringing additional documentary and control requirements for operators.
Finally, geopolitics once again disrupted maritime trade: the United States announced its decision to prioritise the port of Tánger-Med over Algeciras. Diario AS covered the implications of this move, which could redirect traffic, change costs and force Spanish operators to rethink strategic routes.
Impact on Logistics Express
For Logistics Express, these factors require us to act across three key dimensions:
- Territorial expansion: we are exploring investment opportunities at platforms near strategic hubs (Antequera, Valencia, Algeciras) to expand capacity and reinforce our multimodal network.
- Talent: we have activated internal continuous training programmes, agreements with logistics vocational schools, and plans to attract young talent. We want to become a reference employer for those seeking stability and professional development in logistics.
- Resilience in the face of maritime tensions: we are closely monitoring the effects of the US decision on Tánger-Med and its impact on Algeciras. We are diversifying maritime providers and strengthening connections with alternative ports to guarantee continuity for our clients.
Ceuta
Ceuta is still waiting on developments regarding commercial customs with Morocco. The lack of clear progress means Logistics Express must maintain maritime routes as the main alternative and offer agile documentation solutions for clients that depend on this enclave.
Melilla
Melilla is benefiting from the gradual progress on customs openings with Morocco. Although still in its early stages, we are working with clients to prepare standardised procedures that will allow us to capture market share when the flow normalises.
Gibraltar
Regulatory uncertainty in Gibraltar continues, but we are preparing adaptive plans. The challenge will be supporting clients in an environment where customs policy depends on negotiations still in progress.
Balearic Islands and Canary Islands
In the islands, the possible definitive consolidation between Baleària and Armas continues to reshape routes and rates. Logistics Express is maintaining negotiations with operators to guarantee stable capacity and competitive pricing across both archipelagos.
Personal and Business Vision
Logistics expansion is not an end in itself: it must be sustainable, human and strategic. Personally, I believe the talent challenge is as important as the infrastructure challenge. Without well-trained and motivated people, no logistics platform is truly competitive.
My commitment is to ensure that Logistics Express grows not just in warehouse square metres, but in human capital, trust and resilience.
Looking Ahead
For the coming months, our priorities will be:
- Investing in strategic hubs that reinforce our multimodal network in southern Spain and the Levant.
- Attracting and developing talent through our own programmes and educational partnerships.
- Adapting to maritime changes arising from the prioritisation of Tánger-Med over Algeciras.
- Meeting new environmental requirements without losing competitiveness.
Spanish logistics is in the midst of a transformation, and Logistics Express intends to be a leading player in that change. Contact us here to discuss projects, partnerships or tailored solutions.
MJ Managing Director – Logistics Express
