Ports need to be surrounded by a comprehensive land-based logistics structure that ensures efficient continuity in the transport chain and that covers freight service needs, as well as the needs of operators involved throughout the chain.

Space limitations in ports, which in many cases are determined by the proximity and growth of the city, make it necessary to draw up a territorial planning document that addresses the ground space required for this logistics structure. The results of the study “Preliminary analysis of the logistics corridor linked to the Port of Valencia” serve as an approximation or input for drawing up said plan.

The study has enabled an analysis of the need for logistic spaces linked to the activity of the ports of Valencia, Sagunto and Gandía. The analysis is based on their traffic forecasts and an examination of the logistics associated with each type of traffic (container logistics; automotive logistics; heavy load logistics, such as steel and machinery; reefers, solid bulk and liquid bulk, etc).    It includes an evaluation of the current situation, comparing it with the situation in other European ports (benchmarking), and identifying current shortcomings and future needs.

Having identified the need for logistics spaces or land, the next step was a detailed analysis of the potential offered by different areas for developing actions to meet these needs. The logistics potential of a given site will depend on numerous factors, such as links to demand, access to nodal and linear infrastructure, the availability of land with the appropriate characteristics (classification, size, price, etc.), the geographical position in relation to the main transport routes, etc.

The analysis carried out relied on a Geographical Information System (GIS), which was fed with transport network parameters, demand predictor parameters (industrial and corporate structure, population distribution, etc), urban planning variables, (structure and land uses anticipated in the planning, location of large equipment and single enclaves, etc) and the Territorial Action Plan for the Prevention of Flood Risk in the Valencian Community (PATRICOVA in Spanish), among others.

As a result, a set of areas have been identified and evaluated, which could meet future space needs linked to port activity (Sagunto Intermodal Logistics Platform; Chiva/Ribarroja/Quart/Fuente San Luis/Port Intermodal Axis; Logistics Centre South). The study ends with a general review of the socio-economic effects that may result from these actions.