Container gateway · Spain
Port of Barcelona
Barcelona is a container gateway on the Mediterranean Sea in Spain (Mediterranean, Black Sea & North Africa). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Spain
- UN/LOCODE
- ESBCN
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- Mediterranean, Black Sea & North Africa
- Waters
- Mediterranean Sea
- Coordinates
- 41.35°N, 2.17°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Sea distance from Vietnam
- approx. 7,250 nm
About the port of Barcelona
Barcelona is one of Spain’s main container ports and the principal gateway for Catalonia, with rail links to France and inland Spain.
Barcelona is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Asia–Mediterranean services normally enter the Med through the Suez Canal; while Red Sea diversions apply, many services reach the region via the Cape of Good Hope and the Strait of Gibraltar, often using hubs such as Tanger Med, Algeciras or Piraeus.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
Estimated port-to-port distances and transit times on typical routings. Actual schedules depend on the service and its port rotation.
| Route | Distance | Transit (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai → Barcelona | 7,250 | 20–24 days |
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For the European Union, entry summary declarations under the ICS2 system must be filed before loading.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Spain that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: EVFTA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Barcelona
Where is the port of Barcelona?
Barcelona is in Spain, on the Mediterranean Sea, in the Mediterranean, Black Sea & North Africa shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Barcelona?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Barcelona is ESBCN. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Barcelona?
On a typical routing from Cai Mep – Thi Vai, the sea distance is about 7,250 nautical miles and a direct service takes roughly 20–24 days port to port. Services with transshipment take longer.
What documents are needed to ship via Barcelona?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Barcelona?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Barcelona through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.