From December 20th, the Basque enclave is integrated into the strategic route of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, operating with the largest container ships in its history and offering highly competitive transit times as the last peninsular stop.
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La Bilbao Port Authority Starting December 20th, it will integrate its infrastructure into the weekly direct service of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company connecting Northern Europe with the West Coast of South America. This operation positions the port as a hub Key strategic location for exports thanks to optimized transit times.
Operational details of the new transatlantic connection
The addition to this service represents one of the most significant logistical milestones in recent years for the port area. Bilbao It will function as the last port of call on the Iberian Peninsula and the penultimate port of call in Europe before ships begin their voyage to the Americas. This strategic position guarantees unbeatable transit times for its cargo flows. hinterland.
The technical and operational characteristics of the new service are detailed below:
| Operational Aspect | Service Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company |
| Ruta | Northern Europe – West Coast of South America |
| Start date | December 20 |
| Type of Ships | Maximum capacity container ship (record at the Bilbao terminal) |
| Strategic Position | Last stop on the Iberian Peninsula |
Impact on competitiveness and the industrial fabric
The arrival of this line implies operations with container ships larger than the terminal of Bilbao has received to date, a fact that validates the technical capacity and competitiveness of its current infrastructures.
As highlighted Iván Jiménez, President of the Bilbao Port AuthorityThis move confirms the enclave as a reference point in the Atlantic Arc. For the Port of Bilbao, joining this direct MSC service to the West Coast of South America is excellent news and a source of immense pride. It opens up new opportunities for the industrial and export sectors in our region.
Jiménez stated.
Among the direct advantages for shippers and the logistics ecosystem are:
- Facilitated access to key markets in South America.
- Consolidation of the port as a high value-added logistics platform.
- Strengthening the network of ocean services in northern Spain.
The collaboration between the technical and commercial teams of MSC and the port community has been fundamental in making this project a reality. This new line not only connects us better with the world, but also boosts the competitiveness of our companies and contributes to the sustainable economic growth of our environment
The president of the Port Authority concluded, thanking the shipping company for the trust they placed in the company.
Key points and frequently asked questions about MSC's new route in Bilbao
When does the new MSC service start operating in Bilbao?
The service will be operational from December 20th, offering a direct weekly frequency.
What competitive advantage does Bilbao offer on this route?
As the last port of call on the Iberian Peninsula before the Atlantic crossing, it offers unbeatable transit times for exports to the West Coast of South America.
What type of vessels will be used for this connection?
The line will be operated with the largest container ships that the Bilbao container terminal has received to date, demonstrating the capacity of its infrastructure.
