A technical failure affecting the main cargo inspection scanner at Spain’s Port of Algeciras has disrupted customs operations and slowed the flow of goods along the strategic maritime corridor linking southern Spain with Morocco’s Tangier Med port. The incident follows severe weather conditions that damaged the protective structure surrounding the high-tech scanning equipment, forcing authorities to take it temporarily out of service.
According to Spanish media reports, the accident occurred on the night of February 4, when a powerful storm caused a protective tent-like structure to collapse onto the truck carrying the scanner. The impact reportedly damaged the control cabin, and customs authorities are still assessing whether the equipment can be repaired or must be replaced.
A strategic tool in anti-smuggling operations
The damaged scanner is considered one of the port’s most important security assets, designed to detect drugs, weapons, and illicit cargo hidden inside containers. Installed nearly two decades ago as part of a joint container security initiative between Spain and the United States launched after the September 11 attacks, the system plays a central role in monitoring international maritime shipments.
The technology works through an arch-shaped scanning arm that slowly moves over containers, producing detailed three-dimensional images analyzed by specialized operators. Its suspension has therefore significantly reduced inspection capacity at Algeciras, Spain’s largest port and one of Europe’s busiest gateways for passengers and freight.
Immediate impact on cargo traffic with Morocco
The scanner outage has led to slower customs procedures and longer processing times for shipments, including perishable goods transported along international routes. Maritime transport operators say delays in the release of certain containers have become more noticeable in recent weeks due to limited inspection resources.
The situation is particularly sensitive given the high volume of trade between Algeciras and Tangier Med, two major logistics hubs at the heart of the Strait of Gibraltar corridor. The route handles thousands of trucks and containers each week, forming a key supply chain link between Europe and North Africa.
Temporary measures to maintain operations
With no clear timeline yet for the scanner’s return to service, Spanish authorities have introduced temporary solutions, including the use of smaller alternative inspection devices designed for vehicles or smaller packages. Customs teams are also relying more heavily on manual expertise and risk-based controls to compensate for reduced technological capacity.
The incident comes amid broader logistical challenges at the port. Recent data indicate that activity at Algeciras declined by around 14 percent in January following a series of severe storms, adding further pressure to supply chains operating across the Strait.
Industry observers warn that if the main scanner remains offline for an extended period, delays could continue to affect freight traffic between Spain and Morocco, highlighting the strategic importance of resilient infrastructure and backup systems in major international ports.
