Port of Las Palmas Faces Geopolitical Challenges and Dakhla Competition

An expert highlights the need for the Canary Islands port to enhance its competitiveness and diversify its energy mix against external threats.

Generic image of a port with loading and unloading activity.
IA

Generic image of a port with loading and unloading activity.

A port operations expert has emphasized the importance of the Port of Las Palmas strengthening its competitiveness and diversifying its energy sources to counteract geopolitical challenges and increasing competition, especially from the port of Dakhla.

The analysis, presented at the Chamber of Commerce of Gran Canaria, addresses how the crisis in the Middle East, traffic diversions, and Morocco's port strategy impact La Luz's position as an Atlantic logistics hub. The event was organized by the Federation of Logistics Operators and Port Services, Oneport.
According to the specialist, an escalation in the Strait of Hormuz could reduce energy product traffic from that region, but it would also open opportunities to increase traffic from other areas such as Africa (Guinea or Nigeria) or Latin America (Venezuela). The strategic position of Las Palmas and the Canary Islands would be ideal for managing these new flows.

"In the face of potential geopolitical risks, one must be fully prepared."

a port operations expert
It is emphasized that the Canary Islands ports have first-class capabilities and must collaborate to face possible increases in traffic. Cooperation between the island's port authorities would provide a significant competitive advantage to the Mid-Atlantic region.
Instability in traditional routes, such as the Red Sea, has proven to be an opportunity for the Port of Las Palmas, which has seen its traffic increase. This drives the search for new businesses and adaptation to a changing global context.

"The diversification of the energy mix is fundamental for the future."

a port operations expert
Energy mix diversification is crucial, not only to guarantee supply security but also to offer a broad bunkering service adapted to vessel needs, including alternative energies such as green hydrogen, wind, or gas. The geographical location of the Canary Islands makes it an essential pivot for routes between Europe, Africa, and America.
The development of the port of Dakhla is considered a serious threat to the Port of Las Palmas and the Canary Islands. To counter it, the proposal is to bet on talent, specialization, energy tradition, digitalization, and the development of existing competitive advantages. The global trend towards more regionalized supply chains and nearshoring represents an opportunity for Las Palmas to position itself as a key logistics hub.