César Díaz, president of the Port Authority of Santander (APS), has reported significant progress on the new Raos 6 dock, with works now 50% complete, aligning with the projected timeline. Díaz explained that the current focus is on the simultaneous construction of the main wall made of sheet piles and the rear alignment of micropiles, which form the dock's structure.
This phase of construction is expected to conclude in February 2027. The main wall, which will serve as the docking area for the new facility, consists of a combined wall system made from steel profiles and sheet piles. These materials were manufactured in Luxembourg and transported to the port of Santander via maritime routes from Antwerp.
“We have achieved 50% completion on the Raos 6 dock, which reflects adherence to our planned schedule,” Díaz stated. The construction, which began thirteen months ago, has been influenced by the necessary waiting periods for the consolidation of the ground through a preloading process.
Díaz highlighted that this infrastructure, executed by the joint venture SIEC and SATO, has a construction timeline of twenty months and is deemed “absolutely necessary” to accommodate the increase in maritime traffic, driven by the growth of activities at the North Spigots of Raos and the positive performance of the container terminal.
The new dock will cater to general cargo and bulk solid traffic, enhancing docking capacity and operational efficiency at public docks, allowing for quicker unloading via truck hoppers or rapid lifting at the dock's forefront.
The Raos 6 project represents an investment of €22.8 million, fully financed by the Port Authority of Santander's own resources. Included in the APS Investment Plan, this initiative will enable operators to maximise their activities under optimal productivity and quality conditions, in line with the authority's efficiency objectives.
Díaz also mentioned plans for public-private initiatives amounting to €245 million by 2030, which encompass strategic projects aimed at addressing the current and future needs of the port, including a vertical car silo, Raos 8, and a new urban access to the port.
Furthermore, he reiterated the institution's commitment to the economic development of Cantabria, aiming to create new business opportunities and activities for companies within the region.
The Raos 6 project involves constructing a multipurpose dock 212 metres long, using a combined wall solution of sheet piles and steel profiles, anchored with ties to a micropiled foundation, designed for a depth of 12.5 metres.
