Barcelona and Tarragona ports exceed pollution limits, highest levels found at cruise ship docks 

The air in the ports of Barcelona and Tarragona exceeds the nitrogen oxides pollution limits established by the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as reported by a study from the civil society group, Stop Creuers. 

The Balearic Wharf of Tarragona's port, averages readings of 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³). This is five times higher than the WHO's recommended limit and 2.5 times higher than the EU directive coming into force in 2030.  

Barcelona's World Trade Center area averages even higher levels of 54 micrograms per cubic meter. All five locations where the samples were collected exceeded the pollution thresholds, according to the organization behind the study.  

The sampling took place between September 11 and October 9, 2024, measuring both nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, which together form nitrogen oxides.  

Misael Alerm, a member of Stop Creuers, emphasized the results at the Balearic Wharf, a cruise ship docking zone. "It's not possible to tell the difference in emissions between cargo ships and cruise ships. But the highest readings came from the sensor next to the cruise ship dock, and during that time, it was only cruise ships docking," he stated.  

"It's also a place where people go to exercise and, as we can now say, at the cost of their health. NO and NO₂ are among the most dangerous pollutants for both human health and ecosystems," he added. 

In Barcelona, the highest pollution levels were recorded at the World Trade Center (54 µg/m³) and the Europa Bridge (51 µg/m³). Other locations such as the Rambla de Mar and the new Escullera promenade reached 44 µg/m³, while Barceloneta Square registered 41 µg/m³. 

Alerm also criticized the official pollution studies done by Rovira i Virgili University (URV) and the Port of Tarragona: "If the Port of Tarragona commissions a study and the results are favorable to them, we can’t fully trust it, because the port has a vested interest," he said.  

Stop Creuers Catalunya conducted their research in collaboration with German NGO NABU and their results were analyzed in a Swiss laboratory. "We've done independent studies with independent laboratories," Alerm concluded.  

After the findings, the organization had called for a reduction in cruise ship terminals and traffic until emissions comply with WHO and EU guidelines.  

The Port of Tarragona responded with a statement claiming that its air quality monitoring system ensures clean air. "The annual air quality report prepared by URV confirms that, once again, the port area does not exceed any legally established limits, and in many indicators, performs better than urban monitoring stations," the port authority stated. 

Additionally, the port announced that it will invest €33 million by 2028 to electrify its docks, which it says will "dramatically reduce atmospheric pollutants."