This February, Samskip Spain reaches a special milestone: two years since the opening of our Bilbao office. What began as a bold step in our European expansion has quickly grown into a vibrant, trusted, and highly respected operation built on strong relationships, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to our customers.

When the office first opened its doors, it represented more than just a new location on the map. It marked Samskip’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the Iberian Peninsula and to bring our multimodal network closer to Spanish customers. From the very beginning, the focus was clear: build something sustainable, reliable, and truly customer-driven.

Under the leadership of General Manager Diego Ruigómez, the Spain team set out with a clear vision. With nearly three decades of experience in the shipping and short-sea sector, Diego brought much more than just industry knowledge, but also brought a people-first mindset and a deep understanding of what customers truly need. His belief in teamwork, transparency, and long-term partnerships has shaped the culture of the office from day one.

In those early months, the team was small but ambitious. Launching new services from Santander, strengthening connections to Northern Europe, and developing reliable door-to-door solutions required dedication, creativity, and resilience. The momentum came quickly. Services exceeded expectations, customer confidence grew, and Samskip’s reputation in the region strengthened.

This growing momentum is also reflected in Samskip Spain’s increasing visibility within the wider logistics and maritime community. In February, Diego will take the stage at the Propeller Club Conference, delivering a keynote speech on “The Future of Short-Sea Shipping in Spain.” His invitation to speak at this respected industry forum highlights not only his personal expertise, but also the rising profile of Samskip as a forward-thinking, trusted partner in the region. It is a clear sign that the team’s work is being recognized far beyond day-to-day operations, shaping conversations about the future of sustainable transport in Spain.

As the business expanded, so did the team. Today, what started as a handful of colleagues has grown into a diverse and highly skilled group of professionals, working closely across sales, operations, and customer experience. Together, they have created a culture where collaboration and ownership go hand in hand, and where every customer is treated as a long-term partner.

A major milestone in this journey was the launch of Samskip’s cross-docking facility in Santander. Located just minutes from the terminal, the facility has enabled faster, more flexible handling of palletized cargo and complex logistics flows. It reflects the team’s practical approach: investing where it truly adds value and constantly looking for ways to simplify and improve customers’ supply chains.

The introduction of the Spain–UK–Rotterdam shortsea service further strengthened Samskip’s position in the market. By connecting Santander with Tilbury and Rotterdam, the team created a highly reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable alternative to traditional road-ferry routes. Supported by strong local customer service and seamless intermodal connections, this service has become a cornerstone of Samskip’s Iberian offering.

Throughout this growth, sustainability has remained a natural part of the story. By promoting modal shift, reducing CO₂ emissions, and integrating sea, rail, barge and road solutions, the Spain team continues to support customers in making more responsible logistics choices without compromising on reliability or performance.

What truly defines Samskip Spain, however, goes beyond services and infrastructure. It is the way the team works together. The close cooperation between sales, customer experience, and operations ensures that challenges are addressed quickly, communication remains open, and customers always feel supported. This shared commitment has been essential in building long-lasting relationships across Spain and beyond.

As we celebrate two years in Bilbao, we also celebrate the people behind the success. Their professionalism, adaptability, and passion have turned a new office into a thriving hub within Samskip’s European network. They have shown what is possible when expertise meets trust, and ambition is balanced with care.

Looking ahead, the journey is far from over. With growing volumes, expanding services, and new opportunities on the horizon, Samskip Spain is well positioned to continue shaping smarter, more sustainable supply chains for its customers.

Two years in, the message is clear: this is not just a story of growth. It is a story of commitment, partnership, and shared success. And it is only the beginning.