Today, Moeve, Exolum, and the Port Authority of Huelva unveiled plans for new loading and unloading infrastructure at the Port of Huelva, which is currently under construction. This development aims to enhance operational capabilities and support the new 2G biofuels plant being constructed by Moeve and its partners at the La Rábida Energy Park in Palos de la Frontera. The initiatives, known as ‘Muelle Sur’ and ‘Poliducto’, involve a total investment of 299 million euros, marking significant advancements in the companies’ commitment to efficiency and their transformation towards sustainable energy based on green molecules.
As part of the Muelle Sur project, Moeve and Exolum have initiated the construction of a new terminal for energy products at the Outer Port of Huelva. This project includes the development of a new 511-meter-long mooring dock, which will modernize the logistics infrastructure at the La Rábida Energy Park and optimise ship loading and unloading operations.
The new dock will enable combined loading and unloading operations for raw materials and products, connecting Moeve’s and Exolum’s facilities through new transport lines that will extend from the dock to both the La Rábida Energy Park and Exolum’s Storage Terminal in Huelva. Muelle Sur is expected to play a vital role in Moeve’s decarbonisation strategy, serving as a key entry point for raw materials and an exit point for products from the second-generation biofuel production complex under construction in Palos de la Frontera.
The ‘POLIDUCTO’ project involves replacing the entire pipeline system that links the industrial facilities of the Energy Park and Exolum with the Torre Arenillas Quay with new, higher-capacity pipelines. This upgrade will enhance quay facilities and significantly improve operational safety. The approximately 5 km-long new system will provide greater operational flexibility and reinforce Moeve’s dedication to efficiency and innovation. Upgraded facilities will further enhance operational safety by replacing outdated infrastructure and improving quayside installations, allowing for safer ship loading and unloading operations.
Through these investments, Moeve, Exolum, and the Port Authority of Huelva are reinforcing their commitment to economic development and infrastructure improvement in Huelva. Moeve continues to prioritise sustainability and innovation within its business strategy, which heavily relies on partnerships with other companies and authorities.
The presentation was attended by notable figures, including the mayoress of Palos de la Frontera, Milagros Romero, and the president of the Port of Huelva, Alberto Santana, along with representatives from the companies and Cristóbal Sánchez, the deputy minister of industry, energy, and mines of the Junta de Andalucía. Other attendees included the president of the Provincial Council of Huelva, David Toscano, the territorial delegate of economy and industry, Lucía Núñez, and the delegate of the Government of Andalusia, José Correa, along with the presidents of AIQBE and the chamber of commerce, and representatives from the city council of Huelva.
Antonio Joyanes, Moeve’s director of Energy Parks, stated that the modernisation of existing facilities is essential for developing strategic projects already underway. He emphasised the talent of the staff at La Rábida Energy Park as crucial to the success of this transformation process.
José Manuel Martínez, Moeve’s director of technology, projects, and services, highlighted the significance of these projects for the company’s strategy, noting that the new infrastructure at the Port of Huelva is vital for improving operational efficiency and advancing the decarbonisation strategy. He remarked that these investments will enhance loading and unloading capabilities and strengthen the development and production of second-generation biofuels.
Alberto Santana, the president of the Port of Huelva, assured that the Port, as an energy and industrial cluster, is committed to leading the energy transition and decarbonisation initiatives as outlined in its Strategic Plan. He expressed support for projects aimed at producing sustainable energy within the port community, including the joint initiative launched today by Moeve and Exolum, which is backed by significant investment to modernise their infrastructure, enhance port operations, and generate employment.
For Exolum, a leader in liquid fuel logistics in Spain, this development represents a significant step in adapting infrastructure to support Spain’s energy transition. Jorge Guillén, director of Exolum’s Spain and aviation business unit, expressed satisfaction in collaborating with Moeve to provide the necessary infrastructure to decongest the Port of Huelva and accommodate new green transport. He noted that the facility, along with the investments in Muelle Sur and Poliducto, positions them well to offer efficient solutions for bulk logistics flows in Huelva, envisioning a bright future for the location as a green hub.
Cristóbal Sánchez, the deputy minister of industry, energy, and mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia, emphasised that the projects presented today align with the Andalusian Government’s industrial policy, which focuses on supporting actions that facilitate the decarbonisation and energy transition of the region’s industry. He highlighted the availability of streamlining instruments such as the Project Acceleration Unit (UAP), which is expediting the processing of Moeve and Exolum’s industrial facilities for biofuel loading in the Port of Huelva, alongside other strategic projects for the province, including the new biofuel plant being built by Moeve in Palos.
A year ago, the foundation stone was laid for the 2G biofuels plant in Huelva, which will be supported by significant components of the projects unveiled today. This new plant represents an investment of 1,200 million euros and aims to increase Moeve’s and Biooils’ second-generation biofuels production capacity to 1.6 million tonnes per year, with operations expected to begin in 2026, firmly establishing Moeve and its partners as leaders in the transition to sustainable energy.
For more information visit www.exolum.com/en/
