Bilbao's port logistics community unleashes its potential at Breakbulk Europe

 

La Port Authority of Bilbao, UniportBilbao and more than 30 companies from its logistics ecosystem will share space at stand 1E25-F24 to showcase their advanced infrastructure, remarkable versatility, and operational capacity. They will also highlight the wide range of lines, services, and comprehensive multimodal offering that characterizes the Bilbao business community.

 

Currently, conventional general merchandise, known as breakbulk, represents a significant 10% of the total traffic of the Port of BilbaoLoading and unloading operations are carried out using powerful cranes and specialized equipment (lo-lo), as well as efficient ro-ro ramps.

 

The year 2024 witnessed a significant growth of 15% in this type of goods, reaching a volume of 3.454.776 tons. This increase was mainly driven by the movement of steel products, paper and pulp, and various machinery. Key markets such as Belgium, now the main destination thanks to the boom in road traffic, United Kingdom, Taiwan, Ireland, South Korea and India, played a fundamental role in this result.

 

Oversized and project loads deserve a separate chapter, with special attention to wind components. Aware of the strong growth of this traffic in its hinterland, the logistics-port community of Bilbao has made significant efforts to specialize in its service, positioning itself as a leader in the transportation, stowage, handling, and lashing of wind turbine components such as nacelles, blades, bearings, hubs, and towers. This specialization extends to other large components that also receive expert service at the port, such as boilers, buses, train and subway cars, ship propellers, and transformers.

 

With sustainability, capacity and innovation as its fundamental pillars, the Port of Bilbao is presented at Breakbulk Europe as a space where the industry finds a solid opportunity for growth and development.

 

Commitment to sustainability and surface expansion

 

In parallel to its logistics offering, the Port of Bilbao stands as a benchmark in sustainability, actively promoting projects to decarbonize its location. Among the initiatives underway, the electrification of its docks through technology stands out. OPS (Onshore Power Supply). The first phase of this ambitious project, which has an investment of €4,7 million and a €3,9 million grant from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, is already underway and is expected to be completed by early 2026.

 

The second phase, with a budget of 50,1 million euros and partially financed by the Connecting Europe Facility (ECF Funds from the European Commission) and own funds from the Port Authority, will be executed between 2025 and 2027. In addition, a loan of 80 million euros has been formalized with the European Investment Bank (EIB), part of which will be allocated to this project. The energy consumed will come partially from renewable sources, such as the photovoltaic panels, the project of which has been put out to tender for €15,6 million.

 

Regarding the expansion of its infrastructure, the Port Authority is investing €55,14 million in the second phase of the Central Breakwater, which will provide more than 1.000 new meters of berthing line and an additional 310.000 square meters. The works, which began in the last quarter of 2024, are scheduled for completion in 2027.

 

A Strategic Node with Global Projection

 

The Port of Bilbao is consolidating itself as a key strategic node in the Atlantic Corridor and as a leading multimodal logistics platform connecting Europe with the rest of the world. Its ability to offer flexible solutions for complex cargo, including industrial projects, break-bulk cargo, and heavy-duty cargo, makes it a strategic partner for numerous industries.

 

With an area of ​​over 430 hectares and deep-draft docks, the port is equipped to handle large vessels and heavy loads. It also has two strategically located dry ports in Pancorbo and Arasur, which add an additional 57 hectares, strengthening its logistical reach throughout the peninsula.