SPAIN's Port of Barcelona has posted an operating profit of EUR60 million (US$79.5 million), drawn on revenues of EUR158 million, down six per cent on the previous year.

Container throughput increased four per cent to more than two million TEU and overall cargo volume came in at 44.2 million tonnes, up 0.4 per cent.

Exports rose 14 per cent to 511,096 TEU, with China, the UAE and Turkey, the principal destinations for increasing volumes of goods manufactured in Barcelona's hinterland.

In the automotive sector the terminal handled more than 630,000 cars, an increase of 14 per cent on the previous year, with more than half being exported.

Last year, the port invested EUR105.4 million, mainly on new infrastructure, such as the construction of Prat Wharf, the South Quay enlargement and the new border inspection post, as well as repairing and improving breakwaters and quays.

In 2012, the port expects to invest EUR193 million on infrastructure and initiatives to boost the domestic market, reported London's International Freighting Weekly. "We are creating a major port that will generate employment and become the driving force of Catalonia's economy," said port president Sixte Cambra.