Maritime Logistics
The Port Authority of Bilbao has presented the results for the first half of 2026, registering a total traffic of 17,3 million tons, 12,3% more than in 2025. This increase, the largest at the start of a year since 2004, is based on the boom in liquid bulk cargo and the consolidation of container traffic, supported by an investment of 87,1 million euros.
The Port of Bilbao shows a record growth of 12,3% in the first half of 2026
La Autoridad Portuaria de Bilbao has announced a 12,3% growth in its cargo traffic during the first half of 2026, reaching 17.317.427 tons. In a presentation made by Ivan JimenezThe president of the entity has described this figure as the largest year-on-year increase at the start of a year since 2004, which represents a milestone in the last twenty-two years for the port infrastructure.
Despite a challenging start to the year marked by storms, which caused a 9,5% drop in January, the port has experienced a remarkable recovery between February and June, registering the highest volumes of goods for that period in the last 18 years.
Keys to growth: energy and containers as drivers
The main driver of this growth has been the liquid bulk, which experienced a 24% increase, largely due to the normalization of refinery activity PetronorThe traffic of crude oil It grew by a spectacular 52%, representing 30% of the total moved, while the liquefied natural gas increased by 11%.
The traffic of containerized merchandiseThis sector, considered strategic for the port, also showed positive performance with a 2,7% increase. On the other hand, general non-containerized cargo decreased by 4% and solid bulk cargo by 11,5%. Also noteworthy is the dynamism of project cargo related to offshore wind energy, with the export of monopiles and offshore towers manufactured by [Company Name]. Haizea Wind within the port facilities themselves.
| Type of Merchandise | Tons | Variation 2025/2026 | % of the Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Bulks | 11.165.702 | + 24 % | 64,4 % |
| Solid Bulks | 1.964.037 | -11,5% | 11,3 % |
| General Cargo (Container) | 2.451.057 | + 2,7 % | 14,15 % |
| General Merchandise (Other) | 1.736.631 | -4% | 10,00 % |
| TOTAL TRAFFIC | 17.317.427 | + 12,3 % | 100 % |
Analysis of international markets: balance and diversification
The geopolitical context and tariff uncertainty have not significantly impacted port volumes. Imports grew by about 14% and exports by 9%.A balance is being consolidated between short- and long-distance traffic, where the Short Sea Shipping represents 51% and Deep Sea Shipping 49%, consolidating Bilbao as a versatile port for European and transoceanic markets.
By country, the total traffic ranking is led by Estados Unidos, Rusia, Brasil, México, España y Reino UnidoThe largest increases in tonnage were recorded with México, España, Rusia, Reino Unido y Estados Unidos, mainly due to liquid bulk cargo.
Strategic investments: 308,8 million for the energy transition and expansion
La Autoridad Portuaria It maintains a solid financial position, with a turnover of €39,8 million (+6,4%) and cash reserves of €85 million. This solvency allows it to undertake an ambitious investment plan of 308,8 million euros for the period 2026-2030For the current fiscal year, the planned investment amounts to 87,1 million, of which 48% has already been executed.
The central focus of these investments is the Energy Transition Planwhich includes the project BilbOPS for the electrification of the docks (system OPS – Onshore Power SupplyWith the first phase now completed, the second phase, which will conclude in 2027, will transform the Puerto de Bilbao in the first port on the Atlantic axis with all its docks electrified, ahead of the regulations of the Unión Europea by 2030. This project is funded by programs such as CEF y NextGenerationEU, in addition to a green loan from Banco Europeo de Inversiones.
Other key actions underway include the second phase of Central Pier, with a budget of 55 million to generate 310.000 m² of new surface area, and the installation of the new Input and Output System (EES) from the UE in the passenger terminals, with an investment of 7,1 million euros.
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