The Port and Airport of Bilbao strengthen their joint strategy to lead the competitiveness of the Basque Country

 

During the fifth edition of Foro Gran Víacalled "Bilbao Connection", Iván Jiménez (Autoridad Portuaria de Bilbao) to Iván Grande (Aeropuerto de BilbaoThey have detailed their plans to boost the economy of Euskadi through sustainability and transoceanic connectivity.

 

The day served as a platform for the leaders of these two critical infrastructures to express a vocation for mutual collaborationThe main objective is to strengthen the competitiveness of Bizkaia in a globalized market, ensuring that both maritime and air transport act as driving forces for the Basque industrial and commercial fabric.

 

The Port of Bilbao: Towards an energy hub model

 

Iván Jiménez, President of the Autoridad Portuaria de BilbaoHe analyzed the profound transformation of the port within a complex logistics environment. According to the executive, modern ports must evolve to become energy hubs. "60% of our global merchandise volume is related to the energy sector"He emphasized the importance of infrastructure in energy generation, storage, and distribution.

 

To ensure resilience against the instability of international trade routes, the Puerto de Bilbao It focuses on three strategic axes:

 

• Energy transition: Adapting the facilities to lead the change of model.
• Soil optimization: Improving efficiency in port space management.
• Rail intermodality: Strengthening the rail connection to improve land logistics.

 

Iván Jiménez He stressed that it is imperative for the port to be competitive in order to attract more ships and goods, which should translate into "economic activity and more income for the Territory of Bizkaia and to Euskadi«always under criteria of economic, social and environmental sustainability.

 

Bilbao Airport: Record passenger numbers and global connectivity

 

In turn, the Aeropuerto de Bilbao has reached a historic milestone by registering 7 million passengers annually. Iván GrandeThe director of airport infrastructure has pointed out that this growth is strongly driven by international traffic and the presence of virtually all relevant European airlines.

 

Grande has highlighted recent milestones such as the opening of the direct route to Nueva Yorka key element for the region's international projection. It has also left the door open to opening of new transoceanic destinations in the near future, reinforcing the idea that "port and airport are different infrastructures, but they fulfill the same essential function for this territory: to connect Euskadi with the world."

 

Infrastructure	Key Indicator	Main Strategy
Puerto de Bilbao	60% of merchandise is energy	Energy hub and rail intermodality
Aeropuerto de Bilbao	7 million passengers	International connectivity and transoceanic routes

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about Conexión Bilbao

 

What is the weight of the energy sector in the Port of Bilbao?

Currently, the energy sector represents 60% of the overall volume of goods moving through the Biscayan port infrastructure.

 

What passenger figures has Bilbao Airport recently reached?

The airport has managed to surpass the 7 million annual passenger mark, consolidating its strength thanks to international traffic and the arrival of strategic routes.

 

What strategic challenges lie ahead for the future of these infrastructures?

The main challenges include the energy transition, the optimization of port land, the strengthening of rail intermodality, and the opening of new transoceanic destinations to connect Euskadi with the global market.