Spain to merge smaller port authorities

The Spanish government is to merge some of its smaller port authorities to create a more competitive network.


Currently, there are 28 port authorities and the aim is to reduce this by half.


However, previous attempts to do this have failed, given resistance by individual ports.


The Development ministry is therefore trying to encourage cooperation between neighbouring ports, getting them to specialise in certain areas. If this succeeds, mergers will be undertaken.


Examples of possible mergers are between Gijón and neighbouring Avilés; La Coruna and El Ferrol; and between Marín and Vilagarcía.