The Port of Bilbao boosts its competitiveness: milestones in connectivity, energy and digitalization close the year

 

La Autoridad Portuaria de Bilbao has closed the 2025 financial year with a total movement of 32 million tons, representing a contraction of 6,8% compared to the previous year, mainly due to the technical shutdown of the refinery of PetronorHowever, the entity maintains a solid financial position that will allow it to increase its investment to €110,9 million by 2026 to lead the energy transition in the Arco Atlántico.

 

Traffic analysis and economic situation

 

The 2025 balance sheet was influenced by operational and geopolitical factors. The scheduled shutdown of Petronor Between May and July, this reduced the overall total by approximately 2,3 million tons. Without this effect, the decline would have been limited to a negligible 0,5%, a figure in line with the trend of the Spanish state port system. International tensions also impacted foreign trade, causing a 13% drop in exports and a 4% decrease in imports.

 

In contrast, the port has achieved a historic milestone in passenger traffic, reaching 337.562 users, representing an increase of 19,73%. This growth is supported by both the cruise sector (+31,6%) and regular ferry services. Reino Unido e Irlanda.

 

Traffic Indicator	Data 2025	Variation 24/25
Total Traffic (Tons)	32.097.690	-6,81%
Number of Passengers	337.562	+ 19,73 %
Liquid Bulks	19.525.814	-9,48%
General merchandise	8.199.216	-4,17%
Number of Ships	2.611	-5,81%

 

Strategic markets and internationalization

 

In the field of global logistics, Estados Unidos It has consolidated its position as the main import market, with a spectacular 40% growth in total merchandise volume. The 228% increase in natural gas imports is particularly noteworthy, displacing... Rusia as the main provider of this resource. For its part, the Reino Unido maintains its hegemony as the number one destination for exports from Bilbao.

 

Maritime connectivity has been strengthened with new direct services operated by the shipping company. MSC to Canadá and the west coast of Sudamérica. Also, Bilbao It reaffirms its rail leadership, with a 26% share of container transport by rail, supported by strategic projects such as the Variante Sur Ferroviaria.

 

Key investments: Decarbonization and Infrastructure

 

La Autoridad Portuaria It spent €35,7 million in 2025, but the qualitative leap will come in 2026 with a budget of €110,9 million. The main focus is strategy. BilbOPS for the electrification of docks, allowing ships to turn off their auxiliary engines while in port, thus reducing polluting emissions.

 

• Central Pier (Phase II): 27,6 million euros for the creation of 310.000 m2 of new port area.
• Electrification (OPS): Investment of 27,5 million in cargo and cruise docks.
• Photovoltaic Energy: Deployment of panels on dikes, parking lots and sheds for more than 11 million.
• Digital Transformation: Plan endowed with 18 million until 2030 for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

 

Main Goods (Tons)	Volume 2025	Variation
Crude Oil	8.494.502	-14,26%
Gas Natural	3.600.072	+ 5,11 %
Steel Products	2.401.219	+ 0,30 %
Non-metallic minerals	1.462.130	+ 4,50 %

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the Port of Bilbao

 

Why did total traffic decline in 2025?

The 6,8% decrease is mainly due to the technical shutdown for maintenance and improvement of the refinery. Petronor between May and July, which significantly affected the volume of liquid bulk cargo.

 

What are the investment priorities for 2026?

The absolute priority is the energy transition and dock electrification (OPS), along with the completion of the second phase of Central Pier and the digital modernization of the logistics ecosystem.

 

How does the economic situation affect exporting companies?

La Autoridad Portuaria de Bilbao It has decided to keep port fees frozen, without applying increases for inflation, to promote the competitiveness of companies operating in the port area.