Passenger and vehicle traffic in the first month of the Operation Paso del Estrecho (OPE) has grown by 6% and 7.5% respectively at the Port of Almería. Between June 15 and last Tuesday, 124,193 passengers and 31,248 vehicles used the Almería port facilities. These figures consolidate the strategic importance of the Port of Almería, positioning it as the second in passenger traffic for maritime connections between Europe and North Africa during this operation, which runs until September 15.
The Port Authority of Almería (APA) notes that the OPE accounts for approximately 65% of its annual passengers and half of its revenue. The president of the APA, Rosario Soto, stated that "the positive figures from the Operation Paso del Estrecho benefit both the port and the city of Almería, as they guarantee income that allows us to advance and continue investing in port works and in the port-city integration".
The Port of Almería, connecting to Melilla, Nador (Morocco), Oran, and Ghazaouet (Algeria), is meeting its objectives of fluidity, punctuality, and safety. Rosario Soto highlighted improvements made, such as the reorganization of pre-embarkation areas, which is speeding up vehicle passage. She thanked the staff of the APA, security forces, and shipping companies for their work.
Another appreciated improvement is the creation of shaded areas and a children's zone in the rehabilitated shed, which has become a popular waiting spot. The APA has installed football goals for children. "At the Port of Almería, we work to provide the best services, not only in logistics but also in services for people, especially the youngest family members, making their wait more pleasant," noted Soto.
For the 2026 OPE, the APA has made a significant logistical and investment effort, allocating nearly 1.6 million euros, a 37% increase from 2025. The majority of the investment has gone towards facility improvements (52%) and strengthening human resources (38%).
