Competitiveness in the Ports of the Strait of Gibraltar: TEUs as a Key Factor between Algeciras and Tangier Med

The Strait of Gibraltar is a strategic maritime node where the ports of Algeciras (Spain) and Tangier Med (Morocco) compete directly for container traffic on Europe-Asia and transatlantic routes. This study develops a comprehensive competitiveness matrix that includes endogenous (port-controlled) and exogenous (external) factors to assess their relative positioning. The matrix explicitly analyzes endogenous factors—terminal capacity, crane productivity, large-vessel service capacity, cost competitiveness, and transport cost distribution—and exogenous factors—hinterland distance, competitor port dispersion, mainline operator concentration (Maersk, MSC, CMA-CGM), hinterland accessibility (rail, road), and tourism activity. Quantitative analysis of container throughput (TEUs, 2016-2024) reveals Tangier Med's continuous growth (10.24 million TEUs in 2024), surpassing Algeciras, particularly during the Red Sea crisis, when 90% of Asia- Europe routes diverted via the Cape of Good Hope, adding 3,800 nautical miles and 9-11 days per voyage. Key analytical findings identify a clear hinterland-foreland disparity: Tangier Med demonstrates superior foreland connectivity to the Rotterdam, Genoa, and Hamburg hubs, with optimized vessel calling patterns that reduce waiting and handling times, while Algeciras maintains hinterland advantages through intermodal logistics areas and European market access despite delayed rail modernization. Tangier Med benefits from greater regulatory flexibility and free zones, offsetting Algeciras's infrastructural advantages. These results provide an objective framework for understanding the strategic positioning of both ports and their supply chain implications in the Strait of Gibraltar.