Spain’s Great Blackout: a scenario that is already a reality

The concept of the “Great Blackout” or “Zero Energy” is no longer a hypothesis but a palpable reality.

Last Monday, April 28th of 2025, the Great Blackout of Spain was experienced for the first time at national level, which left millions of citizens without energy supply, seriously affecting the operation of critical infrastructures, among them, the main ports of the country.

A total or partial collapse of the national electricity system which, although improbable on a large scale, has been contemplated by several European governments in their contingency plans.

In the case of Spain, recent drills and institutional warnings have rekindled the debate on the vulnerability of critical infrastructures, among which Spanish ports stand out for their strategic role in the country’s trade, logistics and security.

What were the consequences of the Great Spanish Blackout on seaports?

The loss of power supply due to the Great Spanish Blackout affected multiple levels of port operations:

1. Paralysis of logistic operations

• Gantry cranes, conveyor belts, scales, access control systems and other equipment were inoperative without power supply.
• Cessation of loading and unloading operations, with possible collapse of containers on the dock.

2. Interruption of critical services

• IT systems and digital port management platforms went offline without adequate support in most ports.
• Surveillance, video security, maritime traffic control and nautical signaling systems were also compromised.

3. Physical and environmental safety risks

• Operational risks increased in docks, warehouses and transit areas.
• Difficulties in managing emergencies or incidents such as spills, fires or occupational accidents.

Current measurements of Spanish ports

Following the blackout of April 28, the main ports of general interest of the State – such as Algeciras, Barcelona, Valencia or Bilbao – have intensified their contingency measures and damage assessment, aware of their energy vulnerability, of general interest of the State, so they are beginning to reinforce their resilience protocols:

a) Emergency generators

• Installation of autonomous power supply systems to ensure basic operations during temporary outages.

b) Digital redundancy

• Deployment of computer backup and cloud storage systems with offline recovery capability.

c) Coordination with authorities

• Improved joint protocols between Puertos del Estado, Civil Protection, Civil Guard and logistics operators.

d) Investment in microgrids and renewable energies

• Some ports are moving towards independent power systems based on photovoltaics, offshore wind or battery storage.

Economic and logistical impact

The great blackout in Spain on April 28 has already left tangible consequences and serves as a warning of what a prolonged event could generate:

• Millions of dollars in losses due to blockade of perishable goods, energy products, automotive and industrial components.
• Possible regional shortages if ports cannot operate as entry points for food, medicine or fuel.
• Decline in Spain’s international logistics reliability vis-à-vis trading partners and global supply chains.

How can port and logistics operators prepare themselves?

From Interseas Naval Service, we recommend to our customers:

• Evaluate your energy backup systems and update contingency plans.
• Have protocols for digital continuity and manual management of critical operations.
• Ensure alternative communication channels and training of personnel in emergency situations.
• Value the outsourcing of key functions (provisioning, technical support, document control) to resilient partners.

Conclusion: anticipate to resist

The “Great Blackout of Spain” is no longer a mere hypothesis. The experience of the energy blackout of April 28 shows that our infrastructures are exposed to real risks, and that contingency plans must cease to be a theoretical exercise and become concrete and tested operational protocols to become a strategic planning scenario.

Spanish ports, due to their vital role in the economy and the mobility of goods, must anticipate and equip themselves with technological, energy and human tools to withstand any power supply interruption.