MSC Cruises New Barcelona Terminal Now Open

MSC Cruises began operations at its brand-new terminal in the Port of Barcelona last Saturday. Located at Terminal H in Muelle Adosado, the facility covers 12,580 square meters and represents a €50 million investment, reinforcing the company's presence in the Catalan capital.

The first ship to arrive at the terminal was the MSC Fantasia, making a stop in Barcelona as part of its journey from Tunis to Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Palermo, and La Goulette in Tunisia.

MSC Cruises had long aimed to establish its own terminal in Barcelona, a goal that was realized in 2021 when the Port of Barcelona’s Board of Directors granted the company a 31-year concession.

Designed by Ricardo Bofill Taller de Arquitectura (RBTA)—the same firm behind Barcelona Airport—the terminal features a sleek, modern white interior influenced by El Prat Airport. Four skylights allow for abundant natural light.

For improved efficiency, the terminal incorporates facial recognition technology via WiFi, streamlining the boarding process for passengers.

Sustainability is a key aspect of the design, with energy-saving systems, solar panels, and eco-friendly materials incorporated throughout. A water collection system enables reuse, and docked ships can connect to the electrical grid, significantly reducing emissions.

The three-story terminal is designed for smooth passenger movement, featuring staircases, escalators, and elevators in two vertical circulation areas to facilitate boarding and disembarkation.

MSC’s new facility is set to accommodate one ship per day and handle approximately 190 stops in 2025. On a typical day, about 100 employees will work at the terminal, with staffing increasing to 150–200 when larger ships are in port.