The Port of Valencia has reaffirmed its position as Spain’s top port in maritime connectivity and one of the most important in Europe.
According to the Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (PLSCI) compiled by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) for the third quarter of 2025, the Port of Valencia ranks fourth in Europe and first in Spain. This ranking highlights its growing influence in global shipping and its vital role in connecting Spain to international trade routes.
Measuring Connectivity: The PLSCI Index Explained
The Port Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (PLSCI) is a key tool developed by UNCTAD to measure how well ports are integrated into global liner shipping networks. It takes into account several important factors, including:
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The number of shipping companies providing services,
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The capacity of the largest vessels operating at the port,
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The number of directly connected ports,
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The frequency of weekly ship calls, and
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The total annual capacity measured in TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units).
A higher score indicates better connectivity and stronger integration into international trade systems, positioning a port as a central player in global logistics.
Valencia’s Regional and Global Standing
Within Europe, the Port of Valencia achieved a score of 586.39 points, ranking just behind Rotterdam (952.13), Antwerp (879.01), and Hamburg (698.80). This makes it the fourth most connected port in Europe and the top-ranked in Spain.
In Spain, Algeciras follows with 518.48 points (fifth in Europe), Barcelona ranks seventh with 473.55 points, and Las Palmas ranks twelfth with 294.32 points. Even Malaga made it into Europe’s top thirty with 161.04 points, showing the strength of Spanish ports overall.
Globally, however, Asian ports continue to dominate maritime transport, with Shanghai, Ningbo, and Singapore leading the rankings. Despite this, Spain’s performance stands out, as it has been recognized as the European Union member state with the best maritime connectivity, achieving 421.13 points on the global Liner Shipping Connectivity Index (LSCI).
The Port of Valencia’s strong performance on the PLSCI reflects its strategic importance in both European and global maritime trade. Its advanced infrastructure, frequent shipping connections, and large vessel capacity make it a central hub for international logistics. With Spain ranking among the top countries worldwide for maritime connectivity, the Port of Valencia continues to play a crucial role in driving the nation’s economic growth and strengthening its global trade links.
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Source: valencia port
