Inetum España has been selected to deploy new border control infrastructure tied to the EU’s Entry/Exit System at the passenger terminals of the ports of Algeciras and Tarifa, according to Spanish reporting. The project is linked to the EU’s effort to modernize border processing for non-EU travelers through biometric enrollment and automated checks.
Local coverage identifies the Autoridad Portuaria de la Bahía de Algeciras as executing the project and describes a phased rollout approach. Phase 1 is reported at approximately €3.2 million and includes equipment supply, three years of maintenance, and training for auxiliary staff supporting Spain’s National Police during initial deployment. Local reporting also describes EU co-financing arrangements for the project through a border-management and visa-focused instrument, including a 75 percent co-financing level for investment and full coverage for operating expenditure.
A second phase is described as a separate pending procurement budgeted around €10.8 million. Reporting ties this phase to the addition of passenger-support personnel for a multi-year period, with three years referenced across multiple accounts.
The reported equipment scope includes both automated and assisted border control components. Spanish coverage references self-service kiosks, automated border control e-gates, and assisted control posts or booths. Additional elements described across outlets include tablets for supervision, verification, and registration processes, as well as supporting infrastructure such as CCTV, digital signage, and specialized cabin or container-based installations.
The Entry/Exit System is expected to introduce biometric capture requirements and new traveler processing workflows for non-EU nationals entering the Schengen Area. Under the EES model, travelers provide biometrics as part of entry and exit recording, enabling automated verification and reducing reliance on manual stamping and checks. Local reporting suggests the new controls are expected to be operational before summer 2026.
The ports of Algeciras and Tarifa are major passenger and transit gateways in southern Spain, with ferry routes that connect to North Africa and broader cross-border travel flows. EES deployments at ports represent a complex operational environment compared to airports, requiring a mix of fixed infrastructure, flexible processing lanes, and staffing to manage peak departures and arrivals.
Inetum’s reported role reinforces its position as a systems integrator supporting public-sector IT and infrastructure deployments across Europe, including identity-linked border modernization projects.
Sources: Europa Sur, Cadena SER, Diario del Puerto, El Estrecho Digital
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By the ID Tech Editorial Team
