Update of the strategic framework for the Spanish port system using a SWOT analysis

Abstract The current Spanish Strategic Port Framework dates back to 1998, and for more than 20 years has supported the Spanish port model, being one of the main pillars of the development of Spanish ports. As a result of the great internal and external changes to the system itself. It is essential to update the current Strategic Framework. Even, it is necessary to reformulate the main strategic lines and criteria for action in the sector. The aim of this work, after an analysis of the situation of the Spanish maritime system and global trends, is to put forward a series of proposals that will serve as a framework for the development of the port system. So that companies, port administrations, workers and society as a whole can benefit from the application of policies aimed at the competitive development of ports in the international context. The proposed methodology is a SWOT analysis based on the definition of strategic objectives for the new strategic framework. The step envisaged will be an international benchmarking that will provide information on the trends in the sector worldwide. The main conclusion is that the Port Authorities must continue to advance in the Landlord model. However, they must change their approach, avoiding becoming only a passive owner of the port infrastructures but a facilitator of the activities and services by carrying out a more proactive management, encouraging intra-port competition and with a view to achieving the strategic objectives set out.